The Parts of a Knight's Armor

In medieval times, knights were an elite group of soldiers. Their armor had very specific parts, functions and decorations. A knight's armor was meant to look impressive as well as protect the body.

Helmet

The helmet was the most basic part of the knight's armor. Many helmets included a visor that would be brought down to protect the face, or lifted up for better vision.

Torso

The armor protecting the stomach was essentially a breastplate over a plackart with hinges on the sides so that it could be taken on and off easily.

Legs

The lower legs were protected by greaves (essentially metal shin guards), the upper legs were protected by cuisses and bendable pieces called poleyns protected knees.

Arms

The arms were protected with vambraces, and the hands and wrists were protected by gauntlets, which were essentially metal gloves.

Chain Mail

Underneath this armor, the knight wore a coat of chain mail, or small metal rings linked together. The chain mail protected any areas that may be exposed by weak spots in the armor, including areas where pieces met each other, such as the underarms.

References

• Knight Armour Parts