Medieval Arms and Armor

Warriors from the early Middle Ages of Europe wore equipment derived from the late Romans. A short-sleeved mail shirt was worn over their body made of interlocking iron rings. Underneath the metal armor the knight would wear a padded garment known as an "aketon" or "gambeson". Late in the Middle Ages plate armor began to appear because of the more powerful weapons being used. However, the use of gunpowder was becoming effective and even the plate armor was ineffective. The most commonly worn helmet was called a Spangenhelm. Shields were round or oval and usually made of wood covered in leather. The shields were painted with symbols to distinguish friends from enemies. Around the rim were metallic mountings and in the center was a hole for the hand grip. The weapons they carried were most likely a spear, sword, ax, or bow and arrow. In the height of the middle-ages horses may have been used. At the end of the 12th century a new helmet type was used. It was flat on top with side plates that allowed the face of the warrior to be hidden.

Helmet (Spangenhelm) http://www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/ho/06/eust/ho_42.50.1.htm


Two Shield Bosses http://www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/ho/06/eust/ho_1984.184.1,2.htm

Arms & Armor http://tudorshoppe.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=AA