More than any relic of battle,
armor has always been dominating the visual imageries of Medieval Europe. From the fine stitching of chainmail to heavy armor worn by knights in movies, these medieval armors are a center of attraction of all times. Though armors have changed significantly over the middle ages, if you want to know more about them, here you go.
Reinforced Mail
In the 13th century, many significant changes were made to chainmail in Europe, i.e. certain pieces of plate metal or boiled leather attached to chainmail. It minimizes the risk of a blade to penetrate the armor by pushing a gap in the rings. Early reinforcements were mostly on knees and elbows as they are more vulnerable to attack. Shin and arm guards are added with the passage of time along with the plates on the body. This enhanced metalwork has led to articulated gauntlets guarding hands and wrists. Within the aristocracy, this defensive and prestigious armor help in reinforcing the differing social status of nobles.
Full Plate Armor
Full plate armor is an all-enshrouding suit hiding the wearer’s face and transforms the shape of the body accordingly turning them into a character which is more or less than human. They are mostly worn by knights presented in modern popular culture. With full plate armor, each part of the body is prudently shaped with jointed sheets of metal. The helmet worn with
chainmail make sure to cover the entire head including the face. Heavy hand tools and narrow polished arrows are developed to pierce into the armor. This is one of the most popular Medieval armors that might shake the wearer after a huge burst of attack yet it rarely drew any blood.
Scale Armor
Scale armor is made of a leather backing with scales of stiff material which are either sewn or riveted onto it. This firm material can be a metal, horn or boiled leather. The armor is made in overlying rows with the scales attached on top of the row and hanging down. Scale armor is often portrayed in the artwork of the Early Middle Ages. Manufactured with an excellent combination of varying materials including iron, leather, bronze, seeds, horns, bones and pangolin scales, these armors provide a strong defense in deadly combats.
Brigandine Armor
Brigandine Armor is made out of heavy cloth and canvas or leather with steel plates engrossed on the fabric. The armor is made of superior quality metal and shines startlingly against pushing, slashing and high-pitched attacks. It was the first ever expensive type of armor which has surpassed regular iron made mail armors. The only weakness of Brigandine Armor is that a few corners are left exposed from which any skilled opponent can gain a competitive advantage.
Head Armor
The Spanish Comb Morion is highly popular among travelers and conquistadors. The design is derived from older
helmets in England commonly known as Pikeman’s Pot. All you have to do is adjust the liner so the helmet fits perfectly. Then, secure it with a chin strap or an adjustable steel buckle and you are ready for your next battle. In addition to securing yourself, it can be a perfect costume for plays.
Lamellar Armor
The name Lamellar Armor is derived from the small platelets that were perforated and fastened together usually in parallel rows. Lamellar Armor offers great protection and was a popular replacement for mail armor in Asia. These armors are made with bronze, iron, and rawhide as well as from inexplicable materials such as bones, horns, and shells. Undoubtedly, it’s a highly effective armor against tough assaults.
Conclusion
Medieval armor continued to advance leading to the introduction of hardened leather welded with strong iron pieces. Armor modernizations have successfully reached full plate by the end of the medieval period as the techniques are using a lot of different materials to make the armor light-weight yet durable enough to successfully guard you during an unforgiving battle. Already excited? Take a look at some of the
best Medieval Armors.
