Why was CHAINMAIL used for so long?
Modern History TV・2 minutes read
Mail armor, originating around 350 BCE in Eastern Europe, evolved over time into a widely used and effective form of protection against stabbing and slashing weapons on the battlefield. While not impervious, the flexibility, ease of wear, and additional padding underneath made mail armor a practical choice for ordinary soldiers and knights alike throughout history.
Insights
- Mail armor, originating from Celtic peoples in Eastern Europe around 350 BCE, evolved into a widely used protective gear called hobergion or hobok during the Norman period, demonstrating its enduring functionality and adaptability throughout history.
- Despite its simplicity and accessibility, mail armor, made of iron or steel rings in a four in one pattern, proved to be an effective defense against stabbing and slashing weapons, with its flexibility and multiple layers of padding enhancing its strength, making it a practical choice for soldiers across different eras.
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Recent questions
What is mail armor?
Protective chainmail worn in battle.
How is mail armor made?
Interlocking iron or steel rings.
How effective is mail armor?
Offers protection against most battlefield threats.
What did knights wear under mail armor?
Linen shirt and wool tunic.
How do you put on mail armor?
Cover upper arms, chest, and groin.
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Summary
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Evolution and Effectiveness of Mail Armor
- Mail armor, popular for over a thousand years, is a type of chainmail, known as a bernie, with origins possibly in Eastern Europe around 350 BCE by Celtic peoples.
- The design consists of links of iron or steel in a four in one pattern, prevalent in Western Europe, particularly England, from the 14th century.
- The technique of making mail shifted in the mid-14th century to fully riveted rings, possibly for higher status or tailoring reasons.
- The armor evolved into a hobergion or hobok in the Norman period, covering more of the body, including the knees, and was widely used by Romans and throughout the medieval period.
- Mail armor, while not perfect, protects against stabbing and slashing weapons, requiring a strong hit to penetrate, making it effective against most battlefield threats.
- Mail armor is flexible, relatively easy to wear, and was continuously used for over a thousand years, indicating its functionality and usefulness.
- Putting on mail armor is relatively straightforward, covering the upper arms, chest, and groin, providing comfort and ease of movement compared to plate armor.
- Mail armor was initially high status due to metalwork but became more accessible as history progressed, requiring minimal assistance to put on and wear.
- Mail armor, while not impervious, offers protection against most battlefield threats, with illustrations and stories suggesting its effectiveness.
- Multiple layers of padding underneath mail armor, like 12 layers of linen, enhance its strength and effectiveness, making it a practical choice for ordinary soldiers.
18:50
Medieval mail armor: Comfortable and practical protection
- Mail armor, popular for its comfort and ease of wear, was worn over a linen shirt and wool tunic, providing protection mainly for the body but not the extremities or head, with knights even wearing it under plate armor in the 15th century.
- The process of removing mail armor involved unfastening the belt and shaking the armor off, a somewhat awkward but practical method seen in historical depictions like the bayer tapestry, showcasing the simplicity and functionality of this type of armor.
