What is coat of mail
A coat of mail, also known as a hauberk or maille, is a type of armor made from interlocking iron rings that were worn by medieval warriors, particularly knights, to protect themselves from sword blows and arrows. The coat of mail was a crucial part of a knight's armor and was often worn under other types of armor, such as a helmet, breastplate, and greaves.
The coat of mail was made up of thousands of small iron rings, typically ranging in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, that were linked together to form a flexible, protective garment. The rings were usually made of wrought iron or steel and were shaped like a figure-eight or a hexagon to provide maximum protection.
The coat of mail was designed to be worn over the torso, covering the chest, back, and abdomen. It was often worn with a surcoat, a loose-fitting garment that covered the coat of mail and was often decorated with the knight's coat of arms or other designs.
The coat of mail offered several advantages over other types of armor:
- Flexibility: The coat of mail was flexible and allowed for a full range of motion, making it ideal for knights who needed to move quickly and freely on the battlefield.
- Protection: The interlocking rings provided excellent protection against sword blows and arrows, as they could absorb and distribute the impact of a blow.
- Weight: The coat of mail was relatively lightweight compared to other types of armor, making it easier for knights to wear for extended periods.
- Breathability: The coat of mail allowed for airflow and helped to keep the knight cool, which was important in the hot and humid conditions of medieval battles.
However, the coat of mail also had some disadvantages:
- Expensive: The coat of mail was a costly and time-consuming armor to produce, as each ring had to be carefully crafted and linked together.
- Heavy: While the coat of mail was relatively lightweight compared to other armor, it was still a heavy and cumbersome garment that could be difficult to wear for extended periods.
- Maintenance: The coat of mail required regular maintenance to prevent rust and damage, which could be time-consuming and expensive.
Despite these limitations, the coat of mail remained a popular choice for knights throughout the Middle Ages and was often worn in combination with other types of armor, such as a helmet and breastplate.