Interesting Facts On The Basic Parts Of A Medieval Armor

By Guadalupe Edwards


Before countries have formed into constitutional governments, empires around the world ruled smaller groups of islands. This divide and conquer mentality was evidenced during the time of the Middle Ages. Kings and noble gentry were active participants in the act of war. It is during this time when the use of medieval armor among knights was popularized. It protects them from harm yet slows them down because of its weight.

During that time, soldiers wore gears to protect the head. Great helms were common during the late twelfth century. This is described to have a flat cylindrical tops with slits for vision and breathing. Another protective covering for the head is the burgonet. It was widely used during the sixteenth century and is described as an open helmet with a raised visor. Lancers and hussars are common wearers of this helmet.

Neck protectors are also adorned by combatants as not all headgear covers the neck area. The most common types are the gorget and bevor. Bevors are worn together with the sallet. It covers the throat and the jaw. Gorgets, on the other hand, are steel collars. This was used to protect necks from daggers and swords.

The arms must be protected since it holds the warrior's weapons. Coverings that protect the upper arm and shoulders are called spaulders. However, it does not cover the armpit. In the fifteenth century, pauldrons were made. It serves as a protection to the armpit, shoulder, back and chest.

During the early twelfth century, brigandines and hauberks were worn to cover the torso. Made of cloths with steel plates, a brigandine was the medieval version of the ballistic vest worn by cops. A long sleeve chainmail that reaches the thighs is called a hauberk.

Over the years, several kinds of leg gear were forged. Among them are the cuisse, sabaton and the tasset. Cuisse are used to cover the thighs. Sabaton is a foot covering while tassets are upper leg coverings.

Though wearing a medieval armor can give protection, soldiers and combatants must never leave without their weapons. Swords, arrows, flails, daggers, and lances are a few of the most commonly used tools for war.




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