Did chain mail do anything

Chain mail, also known as chain armor, was a type of armor that was widely used in medieval Europe from the 11th to the 16th centuries. It was made up of small metal rings linked together to form a mesh-like fabric that covered the body. While it may seem like a cumbersome and heavy armor, chain mail did have some advantages and played an important role in medieval warfare. Here are some of the things that chain mail did:

  1. Protection from slashing and piercing attacks: Chain mail was excellent at protecting against slashing and piercing attacks, such as sword cuts and arrow shots. The rings of the mail absorbed and distributed the impact of the attack, reducing the force of the blow and preventing it from penetrating to the skin.
  2. Flexibility and mobility: Chain mail was relatively flexible and allowed for a good range of motion, making it suitable for use in combat situations where mobility was important. This was particularly useful for cavalrymen and archers who needed to move quickly and freely.
  3. Weight distribution: The weight of the chain mail was distributed evenly across the body, which helped to reduce fatigue and improve balance. This was important for soldiers who needed to wear heavy armor for extended periods.
  4. Breathability: Chain mail allowed for airflow and helped to keep the wearer cool, which was important in the hot and humid conditions of medieval battlefields.
  5. Cost-effective: Chain mail was relatively inexpensive to produce compared to other types of armor, such as plate armor. This made it accessible to a wider range of soldiers and knights.
  6. Customization: Chain mail could be customized to fit individual body types and armor styles, making it a popular choice for knights and men-at-arms.
  7. Adaptability: Chain mail could be used in a variety of ways, including as a standalone armor, as a supplement to other types of armor, or as a component of a larger armor set.

However, chain mail also had some limitations and drawbacks. For example:

  1. Vulnerability to blunt trauma: Chain mail was not effective against blunt trauma, such as hammer blows or crushing attacks. This made it vulnerable to attacks from maces, war hammers, and other blunt instruments.
  2. Limited protection against arrows: While chain mail was good at protecting against slashing and piercing attacks, it was not as effective against arrows, which could penetrate the rings and cause injury.
  3. Maintenance and repair: Chain mail required regular maintenance and repair to prevent rust and damage, which could be time-consuming and costly.

Overall, chain mail was an important and effective type of armor in medieval warfare, offering a balance of protection, mobility, and cost-effectiveness. While it had its limitations, it played a significant role in the development of medieval warfare and was used by many armies and knights throughout Europe.