Medieval Swords and Armor

Medieval Swords and Armor

Medieval Swords and Armor
The weapons used the times included different types of  Swords. Medieval Swords and armor was predominantly used and worn by a Knight. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive which prohibited most people from owning swords or armor. Use of swords and armor made the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers or men-at-arms. The swords were the primary weapon of the Knights. Medieval Swords and armor of the times changed with new ideas and new technology. At the beginning of the era a double edged slashing sword was used but as time went by it evolved into a stronger, diamond-shaped sword that could thrust between the rings of chain mail more easily. There were many different types and styles of Medieval swords and armor which formed part of the history of the weapons used in the times. The names of the different types of Medieval swords included the Broadsword, Falchion swords, Bastard Swords, Long swords, Batons, Scimitar and the Great Swords.

Medieval Armor and Shields
Medieval armor and shields changed with new ideas, technology and different weapons. Facts, history and interesting information about Medieval Shields and Armor used in times are described in the articles below - just click a link for interesting history, facts and information.

Medieval Armor and Shields - Suits of Armor
Medieval armor included the famous Suit of Armor worn by the warlike knights of the Middle Ages. The Suit of Armor provided essential body protection from the various weapons which were used in battle. The Parts of a Suit of Armor were a complex series of garments, chain mail and iron plate. Read about the parts of a suit of armor including the leg armor, feet armor, arms, head armor, neck armor and body armor.

Medieval Armor - Chain Mail and Chain Mail clothing
Medieval Chain Mail was a flexible armor which was made from interlinked metal rings. Making Medieval Chain Mail armor  involved the linking of iron or steel rings, the ends of which were either pressed together, welded or riveted. Each piece of Chain Mail Clothing was fashioned specifically for whichever part of the body it was intended to protect. Shirts made of Chain Mail Clothing weighed up to 25 kilograms, depending on the size and the number of Chain Mail Clothing garments worn.

Medieval Swords Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons including swords and armor and understanding the strategy of Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in the life of the times. The training required by a Knight to use Swords and armor efficiently was extremely time consuming - it was necessary for knights to become expert swordsmen. Special places were assigned for the Swords and armor training called the Pell. Pell training allowed knights to practise various vicious strokes and manoeuvres with their swords such as thrusting, cutting, and slicing without imposing an injury on his opponent.

Decoration of Medieval Swords
A sword also held great symbolic importance and featured strongly in the formal Ceremony of Knighthood. This symbolic meaning was even illustrated in the sword's design as the cross guard (quillion), formed across the handle of the sword, resembled a Christian cross. Giving a Knight the 'Right' to use the sword in defence of the Christian religion. Swords also featured some form of engraving. The engravings on Medieval Swords might include the sword owner's name and words from a prayer. Engravings might also be purely decorative and embellished with the inclusion of precious jewels.

Medieval Swords and Armor
The Medieval Life and Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the swords and armor used in the battles and warfare in the history of the times, including details of swords and armor, which scatter the history books. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the swords and armor of the soldiers and knights who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this section on Swords and Armor provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework.