![]() Milan was a recognised centre of armour production through the medieval period and into the Renaissance. Milanese armour is held in high regard and considered one of the strongest. Many different kinds of plate armour existed through medieval times. Mail armour was particularly difficult to pierce without quality weaponry and it offered a high level of protection against all kinds of attack, particularly arrows and bolts. Mail armour was most popular during the high Middle Ages and was used by the Templars when they invaded and conquered the Holy Land. This includes many different types including chainmail, coifs and greaves. Read more about: Medieval History The greatest swords of the medieval periodĪny armour made completely from iron was known as mail armour. Soldiers would still wear the gambeson below chainmail for additional protection and to add a buffer between the armour and flesh. The thick material and horsehair stuffing also made the gambeson a cumbersome and uncomfortable option, especially in warmer climates. However, it would not protect against thrusting or piercing so it soon became less popular as metal-based chainmail and plated armour were more readily available. Despite seeming quite simple and basic, it offered good defence against slash attacks. It also allowed peasants to become part of the armed forces without too much trouble. The armour was stuffed with cloth or horsehair and a typical type of medieval armour that most regular infantrymen could make themselves. The gambeson is a full-body, jacket-style armour made from quilted linen or wool. Imagining armour without the traditional metal plating on the outside may be difficult, but the gambeson is just that. Knights also carried other weapons with them, such as a Lance, Polearm Weapons and a shield called a Heater shield.Read more about: Medieval History 6 bloodiest battles in medieval history ![]() The blades were made from iron, steel, or bronze. Some swords had an elaborately decorated hilt and pommel, while others were plainer in appearance. It was worn on the left side of the body, so that it would be easily accessible for a right-handed knight. A knight’s sword was very heavy and could weigh up to 5 poundsĪ knight’s sword was very heavy and could weigh up to 5 pounds. There was no shortage of materials for the armor either.ħ. The armor was made up of many pieces and included a helmet, a breastplate, arms plates, leg plates and sometimes even shin guards. It was so heavy that it took a squire to help the knight strap on his armor. A knight’s armor weighed around 50 poundsĪ knight’s armor weighed around 50 pounds. Knights would go on long journeys, risking their lives for others on the road.Ħ. Medieval knights also protected merchants and travelers who were on their way to a destination. They were expected to protect the king and queen of the land or city they served. A knight had to be brave, strong, and have good fighting skillsĪ knight had to be brave, strong, and have good fighting skills. Medieval knights usually had a squire who helped them with their equipment before battles because it was too difficult for one person to put on their armour quickly enoughĥ. Medieval armour wasn’t always worn by knights into battle because it was heavy, uncomfortable, and restricted movementĤ. Medieval knights trained extensively in weaponry skills and horsemanship to prepare for battleģ. Some knights became mercenaries and fought for pay in foreign lands others became knights-errant and looked for adventure while roaming the countryside.Ģ. The eldest son inherited the land and title, so other sons often turned to knightly careers to support themselves. Most knights came from noble families, and they were mostly sons of wealthy landowners. Here are ten surprising facts about medieval knights that you probably didn’t know 1. The best way to become a knight was still through being granted land by the king which created problems when people contested who should inherit after the original owner died. Those who could afford it usually passed down knighthood through their families so that inheritance became more important than merit.
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