Is it hard to wear MEDIEVAL ARMOUR?

Modern History TV18 minutes read

Creating medieval armor involves shaping steel plates for protection, with different pieces tailored for specific body parts and practical use. Armor serves as both protection and a status symbol, with various components like helmets, breastplates, and greaves designed to offer defense in combat while also reflecting the wearer's social standing.

Insights

  • The creation of medieval armor involves a meticulous process of shaping steel plates, adding practical elements like hinges and strapping, and tailoring the armor to the wearer's status, serving both as protection and a status symbol on the battlefield.
  • Armor, worn from feet upwards, includes intricate details like stop ribs in thigh plates, beeswax-covered points for weight distribution, and asymmetrical arm pieces designed for specific functions, highlighting the importance of each component in providing comprehensive protection and mobility while reflecting social hierarchy.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How is medieval armor constructed?

    Through shaping steel plates, adding edges, hinges, and strapping.

  • What is the purpose of thigh plates in medieval armor?

    To prevent blows from sliding up into the groin.

  • How is leg armor connected in medieval armor?

    By a strap and beeswax-covered point for weight distribution.

  • What is the significance of layering armor in medieval times?

    To protect vulnerable areas and ensure armor stays in place.

  • Why are helmets crucial in medieval combat?

    To protect vulnerable areas like the face and throat.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Medieval Armor Crafting and Functionality

  • The process of creating a medieval arm harness involves shaping steel plates, ensuring a smooth finish, adding rolled edges, hinges, and strapping for practical use.
  • The armor is worn starting from the feet upwards, with greaves fitting around the leg muscles for protection.
  • The thigh plate, or Cui's, features a stop rib to prevent blows from sliding up into the groin, as demonstrated by a lance impact.
  • The leg armor is connected by a strap and beeswax-covered point to distribute weight and maintain mobility.
  • The armor is tailored to the wearer's status, with munitions armor being cheaper and less sophisticated than custom-made armor for wealthy individuals.
  • Armor serves both as physical protection and a status symbol, potentially making the wearer a target on the battlefield.
  • Layering armor, including a mail skirt, protects vulnerable areas and ensures the armor stays in place.
  • The breastplate and plaque guard protect the chest and groin, with adjustable tassets designed for horseback riding.
  • Asymmetrical arm pieces are linked by leather strips, with different designs for the arm holding the reins and the one wielding a weapon.
  • The pauldron, a large shoulder piece, provides extensive protection and is asymmetrical to accommodate different combat stances and activities.

18:23

Essential Face and Throat Protection in Combat

  • Face and throat protection, along with a helmet, are crucial pieces of armor often overlooked in movies and TV due to hindering visibility and hiding actors' faces, but they are essential in combat to protect vulnerable areas like the face and throat.
  • Helmets, especially those without visors, offer better vision and hearing on the battlefield, allowing for increased awareness of threats and strategic advantages, making them a personal choice based on the situation and preference.
  • Authentic medieval armor, like 15th-century pieces, provides a unique time-travel experience, requiring proper and comfortable fitting to avoid distractions in battle that could lead to injury or even death due to the risk of infections in unsanitary battlefield conditions.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.