Gothic Plate Armour - History

History

Gothic armour, especially suits made under Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, were modelled with curves, flutings and ridges in order to enhance the strength of the armour and deflect arrows. Such armour was made during the 15th century and reached its peak in the 1480s, when it was considered the best in Europe. Its structure featured points and ridges influenced by Gothic architecture and Gothic art. In addition to steel plates it included mail to protect under the bevor, joints and crotch.

Gothic armour was often combined with a Gothic sallet, which included long and sharp rear-plate that protected the back of the neck and head. A bevor protected the chin.

During the 16th century, under Italian influence, Gothic armour evolved into Maximilian armour. This new armour was fashioned rounder and more curved and the ridges were narrower, parallel to each other and covered the entire armour.

Read more about this topic:  Gothic Plate Armour

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    Indeed, the Englishman’s history of New England commences only when it ceases to be New France.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    What is most interesting and valuable in it, however, is not the materials for the history of Pontiac, or Braddock, or the Northwest, which it furnishes; not the annals of the country, but the natural facts, or perennials, which are ever without date. When out of history the truth shall be extracted, it will have shed its dates like withered leaves.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    Culture, the acquainting ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit.
    Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)