Early Renaissance Horse And Man Armors From Germany

Armor is protective covering manufactured from a variety of materials for soldiers, war animals and war machines.  The earliest armor was called mail or chain mail armor and is made of interlocking iron rings, which could be riveted or welded shut.  Gradually, small plates or discs of iron were added to the mail to protect the most vulnerable areas of the body. The most recognized style of armor in the world is plate armor associated with the knights of the late Middle Ages through the early 17th century in Europe.  The use of battle armor diminished as firearms became more effective.