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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