Armor
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Different TYPES OF ARMOR
Chain Mail
(12th Century)
For many centuries chain mail armor was used and was very effective. This armor is made by interlocking small rings of metal together. The main part of its effectiveness was against slashing weapons. Over the years of use this armor was decreasing in its efficiency for protecting against the newest weapons. To make up for the increase in new weapon technology the knights wore leather underneath so it would lessen the damage but in return it made the armor more bulky and less easy to move around in. |
Plate Metal
(14th Century)
The most improvement from chain mail armor to plate metal was the breast plate with the addition to many other various plating over the arms, lower legs, elbows, knees and shoulders. One problem was that the plates on the legs only went on the front side of the knight's legs which soon was replaced by an all around plate. When people think of a Knight, this is the armor they picture them in. |
Platemail
(15th Century)
Plate mail armor was a combination of previous armor (Chain mail and Plate armor) This type of armor making was established in two schools one in Italy and one in Germany. During this century armor was separated into 3 categories. Field armor, Ceremonial armor, and Jousting. Each type of armor was specifically designed for different uses. Battle armor was made for increased mobility with the best protection. Ceremonial armor was only used for the looks and impressing others and was often detailed with silver and gold. Jousting armor was made in mind of overly large and strong plates the deflect the enemy's lance. It also had special braces to support the weight of your own lance. |
Shields
A shield was an important part of a Knight's armor. The the shield was also a place to show your crest for his lord or king, family crest, or the crest of the Knight. The boss of a shield was the round center part in the front of the shield which was reinforced and created to stop and deflect blows away from the center of the shield. This part of the shield was usually made of thick metal or wood.
The bouche was a notch that was cut on the top of the shield. This was used for the Knight to rest its lance while jousting. Lastly, the enarmes are the straps inside of a shield which the arms of the Knight secured to carry the shield. |