Medieval Armor?

Question

Hey, I need to write a paper on medieval armor for a history report, uses, types, how armor changed over the years, but have a billion other assignments to write, and the internet isn't helping me. If you have any info on this topic, or no where i can get it that would be really helpful.

Thank you,

Shania

Answer 1

My god. who gave you such a topic. That is a subject for PhD dissertation. Medival armour was very complex. and it included several layers. First there was a layer of padded shirts then on top of that chain mail and then on top of that plate armour which varied in complexity and strength depending on resourses on the knight wearing it. the poorest night probably had only chain main and maybe a bread plate. A rich noble could have an entire suit of armour including a cod piece protection his most... umm vital assets. Basicaly armour was depeloped for horse men. A foot soldier would not have worn much mor than chainmail because he would not be able to move. Think of knights as tanks. A night at full gallop was pretty much unstopable through most of the middle ages

Answer 2

I can help you a little.

Um, well I'm not sure which came first but there was Chain mail, breastplates, Helmet, There was also plating for horses for the forehead and the chest.
The Norse wore chain mail over their bodies and heads and then a tunic over the top whilst most knights wore plating all over.
It was very heavy and you had much restrictions with what you could do and as the weapons improved so did the quality of the armour.

There were also shoelds, the best bore a crest of the person the knight or warrior served. Also, some had plumes atop their helmets.
Try Google; Medieval warefare.

Answer 3

Find some books. Your local library should have them and if they don't, they can probably either tell you who does, or get them on ILL (Inter Library Loan) for you. Or you can buy a copy at most bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Chapters, etc.).

The first one is technically a kids book, part of DK Publishing's "Eyewitness" Series. However, don't let the intended audience put you off. It's really good. It walks through all the basics. It's called "Arms & Armor":
http://www.amazon.com/Arms-Armor-DK-Eyewitness-Books/dp/0756606543/ref=pd_sim_b_3/104-3504452-5635909

The next one(s) I would recommend are all published by Osprey Publishing as part of their "Men-at-Arms" series. Each book looks at a particular time and place and has great pictures.
There is a list here:
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/combo_list.php/per=41~ser=MAA

FWIW: I've discovered from experience that sometimes the fastest way to find information is to the go the library rather than rely on the internet. Sure you actually have to *go*, rather than surf from the comfort of your room. But I've find stuff I was looking for in 15 minutes or so at the library that I spent two hours searching for without sucess on-line.

Answer 4

Check out wiki