Medieval Armour, Leather Armour, Steel Armour, Chainmail Armour, Shields and Helmets (2024)

FAQs

What armour did they wear in medieval times? ›

Body armor was usually either a short-sleeved mail shirt (byrnie), made up of interlocking iron rings, or a garment of overlapping scales of iron, bronze, or horn.

Milanese plate armour

Many different kinds of plate armour existed through medieval times. Milanese armour is held in high regard and considered one of the strongest. Milan was a recognised centre of armour production through the medieval period and into the Renaissance.

A knight wore a coat of mail called a hauberk made of metal rings linked tightly together to protect his body. Underneath this he wore a padded shirt called an aketon. This gave more protection and made wearing the coat of mail less uncomfortable.

Spangenhelm. The Spangenhelm was used between the 4th and 11th centuries and was the standard choice during the early Middle Ages. It consisted of an iron frame with plates of metal, leather, or horn riveted inside. The term spangenhelm is of German origin.

Absolutely. Steel was sometimes blued, or left black from the forge, or enamelef in different colors. There were many techniques used. Was leather armor actually effective in a sword fight in medieval times?

In the early Middle Ages, armour would be classified by the blows it could withstand, being certified as proof against swords, axes, and arrows. As firearms emerged as battlefield weapons, armour would be tested against them, as well, from which came the modern term "bulletproof".

That armour was composed of large steel or iron plates that were linked by loosely closed rivets and by internal leathers to allow the wearer maximum freedom of movement.

A knight's chain mail would have given him great protection for close combat fighting, and its mesh-like consistency allowed for greater flexibility in terms of his mobility during battle.

A surcoat or surcote is an outer garment that was commonly worn in the Middle Ages by soldiers. It was worn over armor to show insignia and help identify what side the soldier was on.

Greaves were typically made of metal, such as steel or iron, and were designed to fit over the lower leg from the ankle to the knee. They provided protection from cuts, bruises, and other injuries that could be sustained in battle. The design of greaves varied over time and across different regions.

What is a full suit of armour called? ›

The full suit of armour, also referred to as a panoply, is thus a feature of the very end of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Its popular association with the "medieval knight” is due to the specialised jousting armour which developed in the 16th century.

The close helmet or close helm is a type of combat helmet that was worn by knights and other men-at-arms in the Late Medieval and Renaissance eras. It was also used by some heavily armoured, pistol-armed cuirassiers into the mid-17th century.

Cuirass – Metal armor piece that protected only chest. Pixane – Mail collar that extended over chest and back. Plackart – Similar as cuirass, but with extra layer of protection on the belly. Faulds – Chest armor extension that protected waist and hips.

Medieval plate armor ranged any between 1–3 millimeters thick, but the thickness varied at different periods and by different armorers. Mail armor was mainly used during the Early Middle Ages.

Armour production was a profitable and pervasive industry during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. A complete suit of plate armour made from well-tempered steel would weigh around 15–25 kg (33–55 lb).

This “under-armour” clothing included a padded fabric “coif” worn under the helmet, a quilted gambeson worn under chainmail armour, and other accessories. A quilted jacket was worn over the armour, or it was used as the only armour of the less wealthy soldiers, especially the infantry.