Knights' Armor: A Shining Defense
Knights' Armor: A Shining Defense
Imagine a knight in shining armor. But what exactly is that armor made of, and why did knights wear it? Armor was a knight's protection in battle, and it evolved over time to become stronger and more effective. Let's explore the different types of armor knights used.
From Leather to Chain Mail
Early armor wasn't the metal kind we often picture. It started with leather. Leather armor was made from thick animal hides, boiled to make them hard. This was lighter and cheaper than metal, but it didn't offer as much protection.
Next came chain mail. Chain mail was made of thousands of small metal rings linked together. It was flexible, allowing knights to move, but it was also strong enough to stop many sword blows. Making chain mail was a long process, so it was more expensive than leather armor.
Plate Armor: The Ultimate Defense
Around the 14th century, plate armor became popular. This armor was made of large, shaped pieces of metal that covered the entire body. Plate armor offered the best protection against weapons. Each piece was carefully crafted to fit the knight perfectly. This allowed the knight to move fairly freely. However, plate armor was very heavy and expensive.
Parts of Plate Armor
- Chain Mail:
- Armor made of small metal rings linked together.
- Plate Armor:
- Armor made of large, shaped pieces of metal.
- Cuirass:
- Armor that protects the chest and back.
- Gauntlets:
- Armor that protects the hands.
- Pauldrons:
- Pieces of armor designed to protect a knight's shoulders while still allowing the arms to move.
- vulnerable:
- Easily hurt, damaged, or unprotected against attack or danger.
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- 1What was the earliest form of armor knights used?
- 2What is chain mail made of?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Knights' Armor: A Shining Defense” is a explanatory article reading passage about Knights' Armor, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (360 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.