How A Man Shall Be Armed: 13th Century

Published on February 20, 2017
Duration: 4:48

This video details the evolution and components of 13th-century knightly armor, moving beyond simple mail. It highlights the protective layering of chausses, gambeson, and haubergeon, addressing vulnerabilities with the coat of plates. The progression to the heater shield and great helm is also covered, showcasing advancements in medieval warfare preparation.

Quick Summary

By the 13th century, knight armor evolved with mail chausses, padded gambesons, and haubergeons. The coat of plates was added to counter lance and mace threats, while the great helm and heater shield offered improved head and maneuverability protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 13th Century Armor Evolution
  2. 00:28Mail Leggings: Chausses Explained
  3. 01:21The Gambeson: Padded Undergarment
  4. 01:34The Haubergeon: Mail Shirt & Mittens
  5. 02:24Coat of Plates: Enhancing Protection
  6. 03:25Surcoat and Sword
  7. 03:44Head Protection: Coif & Great Helm
  8. 04:23The Heater Shield

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main components of 13th-century knight armor?

Key components included mail leggings (chausses), a padded gambeson worn underneath, a mail shirt (haubergeon) often with integrated mittens, and potentially a coat of plates for added protection. Head protection involved an arming cap, mail coif, and a great helm, complemented by a heater shield.

How did the coat of plates improve knight protection in the 13th century?

The coat of plates addressed vulnerabilities in mail armor against threats like lance thrusts and heavy maces. It consisted of overlapping iron plates riveted to a leather or fabric cover, worn over the mail for enhanced defense against blunt force trauma and piercing attacks.

What was the purpose of the gambeson in medieval armor?

The gambeson served as a crucial layer of padding worn directly against the skin or over undergarments, beneath the mail armor. Its primary function was to absorb and dissipate the shock from crushing blows, significantly reducing the impact felt by the wearer.

Why was the heater shield adopted over the kite shield in the 13th century?

The adoption of the smaller, lighter heater shield over the larger kite shield was driven by improved leg protection from chausses and the need for greater maneuverability in combat. The heater shield offered a better balance of protection and agility for knights.

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