The coat of mail
The coat of mail! A iconic piece of armor that has been a staple of medieval warfare for centuries.
A coat of mail, also known as a hauberk, is a type of armor made from interlocking iron rings, typically made of steel or iron, that are linked together to form a flexible, protective garment. The rings are usually oval or circular in shape and are connected by a process called "riveting," where the ends of the rings are hammered together to form a strong bond.
The coat of mail was a popular choice for medieval warriors because it offered excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks, while still allowing for a good range of motion. The rings were typically arranged in a specific pattern, with the largest rings at the shoulders and chest, and smaller rings at the arms and legs.
There are several types of coats of mail, including:
- Hauberk: A long, sleeveless coat of mail that reaches down to the thighs.
- Cuirass: A shorter, sleeveless coat of mail that covers the torso.
- Brigandine: A coat of mail with a layer of fabric or leather between the rings, which provided additional protection.
- Mail shirt: A shorter, sleeveless coat of mail that covers the torso and arms.
The coat of mail was often worn with other types of armor, such as a helmet, greaves (leg armor), and gauntlets (arm armor). It was also often worn with a surcoat, a loose-fitting garment that covered the coat of mail and displayed the wearer's coat of arms or other insignia.
The coat of mail was a key component of medieval armor, and its development played a significant role in the evolution of warfare during the Middle Ages.