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What were the three main categories of premodern armour?
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armour
The development of Western body armour through the centuries.
Premodern armour is generally classified into three primary categories based on the materials and construction techniques used to protect the wearer:1
- Soft Armour: This category consists of leather, fabric, or mixed layers of both. These garments are often reinforced through quilting or the use of felt to provide defense.1
- Mail: Often referred to as chain mail, this type is constructed from interwoven rings of iron or steel. It is valued for its flexibility while remaining resistant to slashing attacks.12
- Rigid Armour: This category includes protective gear made from metal, wood, horn, or other tough, resistant materials. It notably includes plate armour, which utilized large, articulated plates to provide comprehensive coverage for knights and other soldiers.1