Full plate mail

Full plate mail! A iconic and intimidating piece of armor that has been a staple of medieval warfare for centuries.

Full plate mail, also known as articulated plate armor, is a type of armor that covers the entire body, including the head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. It is made up of individual plates of metal, typically steel or iron, that are articulated to allow for movement and flexibility.

The earliest forms of full plate mail date back to the 14th century, with the first recorded use of articulated plate armor being in the 1360s. However, it wasn't until the 15th century that full plate mail became more widespread and was used extensively by knights and men-at-arms.

Full plate mail was made up of several key components:

  1. Cuirass: The breastplate that covered the chest and abdomen.
  2. Backplate: The plate that covered the back.
  3. Pauldrons: The shoulder guards that protected the shoulders and upper arms.
  4. Gauntlets: The arm guards that protected the forearms and hands.
  5. Greaves: The leg guards that protected the legs and feet.
  6. Sabatons: The foot guards that protected the feet and ankles.
  7. Helmet: The headpiece that protected the head and face.

Full plate mail was incredibly effective at protecting the wearer from sword cuts, arrow shots, and other forms of attack. It was also very durable and could withstand significant impacts without breaking or cracking.

However, full plate mail was also very heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to move quickly or easily. It was also very expensive to produce and maintain, which limited its use to the wealthy and powerful.

Despite these limitations, full plate mail remained a popular choice for knights and men-at-arms throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. It was often worn by heavy cavalry, such as knights and men-at-arms, and was used in many famous battles, including the Battle of Agincourt and the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Today, full plate mail is mostly seen in historical reenactments, museums, and as a symbol of medieval chivalry and honor.