Plate Armor
Full-body steel armor of the medieval knight
Plate armor reached its pinnacle in the 15th century as the ultimate protection for European knights. Constructed from 1-2mm steel plates joined by rivets and hinges, it covered the wearer from head to toe while distributing its 20-25kg weight evenly across the body. Milan and Nuremberg served as the two great centers of production, each developing distinctive styles and techniques. The decline of plate armor began in the 16th century as firearms rendered it increasingly obsolete on the battlefield.
Related
Coat of Plates
Transitional armor with iron plates riveted inside fabric
Great Helm
Barrel-shaped helmet enclosing the entire head
Bascinet
Pointed medieval helmet with detachable visor
Gauntlet
Articulated metal glove of the medieval knight
Vambrace
Tubular forearm armor of the medieval knight
Heater Shield
Classic triangular shield of the medieval knight
Horse Barding
Full-body armor for the war horse
Armet
Close-fitting Italian helmet of the 15th century
Mitten Gauntlet
Mitten-style metal gauntlet with unified finger shell
Kite Shield
Large kite-shaped shield of the Norman knight
Chainmail
Flexible armor of interlocked metal rings
Lamellar Armor
Armor of small plates laced together with cord