Of all ages of human civilization, the Middle Ages may have witnessed the most wars. It is no surprise that protecting oneself is absolutely a must during battle. During this time medieval armor was introduced. Chain is really the beginning of this protective cover. Plate was also used in the 14th Century to protect vital areas, but it was not until the 15th Century when full body Plate was introduced.
For people who could not afford chain, often the only means of protection was leather and padded armor. Being extremely expensive to produce only the wealthy could afford the protection. Suites had to be made exactly to fit each individual. This opportunity helps to differentiate the social class and the military.
While the combination of little circles used for the chain provided great protection, they still had their weak spots. Sometimes during battle areas in between the circles can become available and an arrow can fit through to cause injury. The only parts of the knight covered by plate metal were the chest and the back. The proven safety of these areas may have influenced the whole body suite.
Eventually in the 15th Century plate was turned into full body suites. A padded garment known as 'aketon', or 'gambeson' was worn under as reinforcement. With these new suites chain is now used only to protect smaller vital areas that plates can not cover. It is also used on a knights helmet as a skirt to protect the neck. All of this protection has an approximate weight of 50 Lbs covering from their head all the way to their toes.
Medieval armor contains separate pieces of plate for each section of the body. There are at least seven pieces that cover just one arm and leg alone including fingers to toes. The three piece helmet consisted of the helmet, a necklace-like chain to protect the neck and a detachable visor. Add a breast plate and back-plate and that's a lot of weight for one man to wear while riding a horse who is also wearing its own protective clothing.
While worn by Knights these outfits are also worn by their faithful horses. The armor worn by the warhorses is called Barding. The body, chest, neck and head were covered with plates and their rear covered with padded cloth. Even as advanced as all of this equipment seems its time was not long lived.
However the change in armor did not come soon enough. Not long after the full body armor suite was invented, gun powdered weapons were also invented. The suites proved to be no match for the newly created weapons. Presently medieval armor is used for ceremonial purposes and decoration. The items available now are more decorative with more extensive fluting and very ornate with intricate engravings. The prices to purchase these items range anywhere from a $150 to the thousands of dollars.
medieval armor
For people who could not afford chain, often the only means of protection was leather and padded armor. Being extremely expensive to produce only the wealthy could afford the protection. Suites had to be made exactly to fit each individual. This opportunity helps to differentiate the social class and the military.
While the combination of little circles used for the chain provided great protection, they still had their weak spots. Sometimes during battle areas in between the circles can become available and an arrow can fit through to cause injury. The only parts of the knight covered by plate metal were the chest and the back. The proven safety of these areas may have influenced the whole body suite.
Eventually in the 15th Century plate was turned into full body suites. A padded garment known as 'aketon', or 'gambeson' was worn under as reinforcement. With these new suites chain is now used only to protect smaller vital areas that plates can not cover. It is also used on a knights helmet as a skirt to protect the neck. All of this protection has an approximate weight of 50 Lbs covering from their head all the way to their toes.
Medieval armor contains separate pieces of plate for each section of the body. There are at least seven pieces that cover just one arm and leg alone including fingers to toes. The three piece helmet consisted of the helmet, a necklace-like chain to protect the neck and a detachable visor. Add a breast plate and back-plate and that's a lot of weight for one man to wear while riding a horse who is also wearing its own protective clothing.
While worn by Knights these outfits are also worn by their faithful horses. The armor worn by the warhorses is called Barding. The body, chest, neck and head were covered with plates and their rear covered with padded cloth. Even as advanced as all of this equipment seems its time was not long lived.
However the change in armor did not come soon enough. Not long after the full body armor suite was invented, gun powdered weapons were also invented. The suites proved to be no match for the newly created weapons. Presently medieval armor is used for ceremonial purposes and decoration. The items available now are more decorative with more extensive fluting and very ornate with intricate engravings. The prices to purchase these items range anywhere from a $150 to the thousands of dollars.
medieval armor
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