A Guide to Medieval Armor Types, Effectiveness & Layers

When it comes to medieval armor, there’s no such thing as too much information. The internet is fascinated with medieval armor types, its properties, its strengths and weaknesses! And why shouldn’t people be fascinated with it? Those knights wearing full suits of metal plates were a vision to behold. No wonder all the ladies went ga-ga over them!

From shiny metal suits to rings of interlocking metal, armor came in many forms. Let's explore the different types of armor knights wore, how well they protected against attacks, and how they layered all these pieces together.

Types of Medieval Armor: Not All Suits Are Created Equal

Knights didn't just have one kind of armor. They chose what they wore based on how much money they had, how they liked to fight, and how much protection they wanted. Here are the main types:

• Plate Armor: This is the one you see most often in movies, the gleaming metal suit. It was made of iron or steel plates hammered into shape and then joined together with straps or rivets. This made it super strong, able to stop sword slashes and even some pointy weapons like lances. But it wasn't perfect. There were gaps between the plates, especially around the elbows and knees, which were still vulnerable. This kind of armor was also very expensive, so only the richest knights could afford it. Some famous types of plate armor include Maximilian armor, with its fancy ridges, and Gothic plate armor, which has sharper angles.
• Chainmail Armor: This type was more flexible than plate armor. It was made of thousands of tiny metal rings linked together, kind of like a metal mesh shirt. Mail was good at stopping swords from slashing because the rings would bend the blade away. But it wasn't as strong against pointy weapons, which could slip between the rings. Mail armor came in different lengths, like a full-body coat of mail or a shorter version called a byrnie.
• Padded Armor: This might not seem like much, but it was actually really important! Padded armor, also called a gambeson, was a thick jacket made of layers of stitched fabric. It wasn't strong enough to stop weapons on its own, but it helped absorb the impact of a blow, so it wouldn't hurt the knight as much. Gambesons were also worn under other armor for extra protection. They came in different styles, like the aketon, which was a sleeveless gambeson, and the doublet, a more fitted one worn under clothing.
• Leather Armor: If a knight couldn't afford metal armor, they might wear leather armor instead. This was made by treating thick leather with special solutions and sometimes even boiling it. This hardened the leather, making it good for stopping light cuts and scratches. Leather armor could also be shaped into pieces like chest plates, and sometimes even had metal plates added for more protection.

Medieval Armor Layers

Knights knew that the best way to stay safe was to wear different types of armor together. A typical outfit might include a gambeson worn next to the skin, followed by a coat of mail for protection against slashing attacks. Wealthy knights could then add on pieces of plate armor, like a chest plate and shin guards, to shield their most important areas. This layering system let knight's move around easily while still being well-protected.

How Effective Was Medieval Armor?

No armor was invincible, and how well it protected a knight depended on the weapon used against them. Here's a quick look at how different weapons worked against different armor:

• Swords: Broader swords with blunt edges were better for hitting armor with a lot of force and trying to dent it. Pointed swords, on the other hand, could try to exploit gaps in the armor. How well a sword worked also depended on how well-made it was – a cheap sword wouldn't even scratch good plate armor.
• Maces and Axes: These blunt weapons were great for cracking through armor, especially plate armor. Their heavy heads could deliver a powerful blow that could damage the armor or even knock the knight out. Knights were especially vulnerable to strikes aimed at areas without much plate armor, like the armpits or groin.

The Weight of War: Armor's Impact and Decline

So, with all this armor, were knights invincible? Not quite. While good armor could definitely save your life, it had its downsides.

• Heavy Metal: Plate armor, especially a full suit, was incredibly heavy. Imagine wearing a suit made entirely of iron or steel – not exactly comfortable or easy to move around in. This meant knights often wore lighter armor for everyday wear and only donned the full suit for battle.
• Hot Stuff: All that metal trapped a lot of heat, making knights hot and sweaty in battle. This could be exhausting, especially on a hot summer day.
• Price Tag of Protection: As mentioned earlier, good armor, especially plate armor, was very expensive to make. This meant only wealthy knights and nobles could afford a full suit. Poorer soldiers often had to rely on lighter armor or even just gambesons.

The Changing Landscape of Warfare

Over time, warfare started to change. A new weapon emerged – the firearm. These early guns weren't super accurate, but they could still injure. And unlike swords or arrows, they didn't care how much armor you were wearing. A lucky shot from a gun could pierce even the best plate armor.

As firearms became more common, the need for heavy armor started to lessen. Knights began to wear lighter, more mobile armor that allowed them to dodge gunfire. Eventually, armor became less important on the battlefield altogether.

A Legacy of Steel

Even though functional armor eventually fell out of favor in warfare, it left a lasting legacy. It's a powerful symbol of medieval times, and it continues to fascinate us today. We see it in movies, video games, and even museums. So, the next time you see a picture of a knight in shining armor, remember – it wasn't just about looking cool, it was about staying alive on a brutal battlefield.