subject: How Modern Day Body Armor Plates Have Been Shaped by History [print this page] How Modern Day Body Armor Plates Have Been Shaped by History
The use of individual armor dates back as far as the Ancient Greeks and the early Roman times. During this time, warriors and legionnaires adorned metal plate and chain mail. During the Middle Ages, knights wore elaborate medieval body armor and adorned battle shields in an array of colors. Throughout the centuries, battle shields served as both protection and a symbol of one's status. Not only was it important that the chain mail was effective at preventing injuries to the body, it was also deemed a fashion statement.
As weapon technology improved throughout the Maximilian Era, so did the preventative measures such as personal protection. The increased sophistication shown by weapons at that time meant that armory had to develop in response. As a result, the thickness of protective plates increased. Not only did armory have to prove effective at preventing injuries to the body but it also had to have great flexibility.
Personal armored plates were used from the early 1300s right through until the late 1500s. During this time, body armor evolved from consisting of several pieces of body armor plate to whole suits of armor crafted from metal. Prior to this, the most popularly used and effective type of armor was chain mail. This type of armor weighed the same amount as full body armor plates (around 45 - 55 pounds). However, well-constructed body armor plates proved more comfortable to wear. Armor of this kind was worn over padded clothing to provide the wearer with additional protection and to insulate the body from both the cold and the heat.
During the mid 14th Century, knights wore both chain mail and personal armor plates. However, due to the weight of this heavy armor, it proved difficult for a warrior to return to his feet if he got knocked down. Thankfully by the end of the 15th Century, the majority of personal protection were slightly lighter in weight and enable the wearer to move more freely when worn.
Today's armor differs greatly from ancient body armor due to the advances of today's tactical work environment and changing battlefield. Modern forms of armor include the Kevlar bullet-resistant vest, Dragon Skin, ceramic plates, and stab proof flexible nano-materials. Thoughbody armor plates have changed throughout history it still serves the same purpose - to safeguard the individual and save lives.
