– (Éber Evangelista/)
ILLUSTRATES Eber Evangelista
INTERNAL LAYER
As they were in direct friction with the body, the “underwear” and the “shirt” were made of linen or cotton (the same material was also used in a kind of cap tied under the chin). Another option was a single piece, like a shirt, called a chemise.
INTERMEDIATE LAYER 1
This practically obligatory “padding”, whose outer layer could be made of leather, protected the skin and absorbed the impact of blows. Those who couldn’t afford full armor got by with just that stuff and a coat of mail.
INTERMEDIATE LAYER 2
Chain mail was a series of interlocking steel hoops. It was so effective against slashing weapons that it allowed parts of the outer armor to be dispensed with (generating agility). It could be combined from several pieces, depending on the wealth and status of the owner.
OUTER LAYER
Usually made from pieces of steel or other light metal, typical 15th-century armor was quite sophisticated. Slashing weapons rarely penetrated it and impact weapons were deflected in its curvatures. Its only vulnerabilities were longbow arrows, darts from some types of crossbows, and firearms.
Vulnerable points:
EYES: No matter how closed any helmet or helmet was, there was always an opening so as not to block the view.
HEAD:Not every combatant was able to protect the skull efficiently.
ARMPIT:To allow for arm movement, little armor protected the area. A blade could penetrate here and reach the neck or chest.
KNEES AND OTHER FOLDS:They were susceptible to knives and daggers. These weapons had an advantage if the knight was cornered in a tighter battle area.
THIS REPORT IS PART OF THE ARTICLEBLOOD, SWEAT AND MUD. CHECK OUT THE OTHER PARTS:
What were the blows like in a battle between medieval knights?
What was the typical armory of a medieval knight like?
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SOURCESBooksMedieval Warfare, A Historyby Maurice KeenWarfare in the Medieval Worldby Brian Todd Carey, Joshua B. Alfree and John Cairns,Blood Red Roses – The Archeology of a Mass Grave from the Battle of Towton 1461by Veronic Fiorato, Anthea Boylston and Christopher Knusel,Swords – A Visual Historyby Chris McNabbWeapon – A Visual History of Arms and Armorby Richard Holmes, andSoldiers – A Visual History of the Fighting Manby RG Grant