Types of armor in the Middle Ages in Europe: from chain mail to tempered steel
When we think of the Middle Ages, we inevitably imagine knights covered in shining armor, fighting in tournaments or in the heat of battle. However, the reality is that medieval armor evolved over centuries in Europe, adapting to new weapons, tactics, and needs.
In this article, we explore the main types of medieval armor and how they transformed warfare and the life of the knight.
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Chainmail (11th – 14th century)
Chain mail , also called loriga , was one of the first widely used protective systems in Europe. It was composed of thousands of interlocking iron rings, forming a flexible mesh that protected against cuts and stabs.
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Advantage: great mobility and durability.
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Disadvantage: Not very effective against blunt blows or powerful projectiles.
It was the typical armor of the crusading knights and a symbol of the early medieval warrior.
Brigantine (14th – 15th century)
Over time, the brigandine appeared, a garment made of cloth or leather reinforced with small metal plates sewn on the inside.
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Light and relatively inexpensive.
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Very popular with infantry and light cavalry soldiers.
The brigandine offered a balance between protection and mobility, being an intermediate step towards heavier armor.
Mixed or partial armor (14th – 15th century)
During the 14th century, many knights began to reinforce their chain mail with iron plates in the vital areas : chest, shoulders, arms and legs.
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They combined flexibility and resistance.
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They marked the transition to full plate armor.
This type of protection was common in conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War.
Look how interesting this plate armor is!
Full plate armor (15th – 16th century)
The classic image of the late medieval knight is the full plate armor . Crafted by master armorers in Italy and Germany, it consisted of a fully articulated set of plates that offered almost complete protection.
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Very resistant to swords, spears and even crossbows.
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Famous examples: German Gothic armor (with pointed shapes) and Italian Milanese (more rounded and elegant).
Although heavy (20 to 30 kilos), it was well distributed over the body, allowing the knight to fight and ride with surprising agility.
The end of the age of armor
With the advent of portable firearms in the 16th century, the usefulness of plate armor declined. Some were reinforced to resist gunfire ( musket-proof armor ), but they gradually became relegated to ceremonies, tournaments, and as a symbol of prestige.
The evolution of medieval armor shows us how human ingenuity adapted to the challenges of each era. From the flexibility of chain mail to the strength of tempered steel, each design tells a part of the history of warfare and chivalry in Europe.
If you're passionate about the Middle Ages, in our medieval shop you'll find replicas and accessories inspired by these historical armors, perfect for collectors, reenactors, and history lovers.
