When was mail armor invented
Mail armor, also known as chain mail, has a long and complex history that spans thousands of years. The exact origin of mail armor is unknown, but it is believed to have been developed in the ancient Near East or Mediterranean region around 400-500 BCE.
The earliest known examples of mail armor date back to the 4th century BCE, during the time of the ancient Greeks and Persians. Mail armor was likely used by ancient warriors, such as the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Persians, who used it to protect themselves from arrows and other projectiles.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also used mail armor, although it was not as widespread as it was in the East. The Greek historian Xenophon, who lived in the 4th century BCE, wrote about the use of mail armor by the ancient Greeks.
Mail armor continued to evolve and spread throughout the Middle Ages, becoming a popular form of armor among knights and men-at-arms in Europe. The development of new techniques for making mail armor, such as the use of rivets and wire, made it stronger and more durable.
Here is a rough timeline of the development of mail armor:
- 400-500 BCE: Mail armor is believed to have been developed in the ancient Near East or Mediterranean region.
- 4th century BCE: Mail armor is used by ancient warriors, such as the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Persians.
- 3rd century BCE: Mail armor is used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
- 1st century CE: Mail armor is used by the Roman Empire.
- 5th-15th centuries CE: Mail armor is used by knights and men-at-arms in Europe during the Middle Ages.
- 15th-16th centuries CE: Mail armor is replaced by plate armor, which becomes the dominant form of armor in Europe.
It's worth noting that the development of mail armor was a gradual process that occurred over many centuries, and it's difficult to pinpoint an exact date or inventor.