Throughout Medieval Europe wars were raging constantly. Many lost technologies had to be created again if the new civilizations were to thrive. Around 1250 AD metal rings were woven together to form mail, an excellent form of protection, and two centuries later the knight would attain one of the most inpenetrable battlearms in history: armor. A suit of armor in the 1400’s was composed of dozens of interlocking and laced iron plates, weighing seventy pounds at average. A speeding arrow was broken at impact with the shining coat of arms, riding forth in almost sure victory.

A knight was dressed from the foot up, the sabatons as boots, cuisses protecting his legs attatching to a fringe of metal to protect the crotch. The cuirrass covered the chest and back, pauldrons and gauntlets clad on the arms. Finally, the single most vital component, the helmet, was applied to the knight’s head. The most effective helmet was the pig-faced, covering the entire neck and head with minimal exposure.

A knight was the richest and most valuable warrior in a battle, the lord’s most coveted ally. He was given a sword, a thing all wished for, but few could afford. He and his mount were like a modern tank, with the height advantage and protected head to toe. Armor was one of the most important and famous battle techniques of the Age of Faith and the ultimate defense.

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