Armor & Shields

Just as weapons developed to hurt one’s enemy, so did armor advance to protect oneself. The earliest armor was nothing more than layered hides able to diminish the power of blows delivered. As time passed, manufacturing techniques made it possible for metal to be shaped, layered, and fitted into incredibly effective armor. With proper maintenance, metal armor can withstand the test of time. As such, there are many exquisite examples of armor today that were created hundreds of years ago.

Shields were a critical part of combat when tactics like the phalanx was used to dominate the battlefield. Shields remained in military use until the Renaissance era, when armor became more effective and shields were regulated to civilian duels. Shields have been constructed out of a variety of materials, from Greek bronze to medieval steel. Shields were popular with every organized army from the beginning of recorded history.

Quick Facts

• While Knights are commonly portrayed as the only armor users, various classes possessed personal armor, including common soldiers and mercenaries
• The Phalanx formation, developed in Greece, utilized a wall of shields to create a nearly impenetrable blockade
• Suits of armor are used as evidence that humans increased in average height over the years