Knights: a lot of gear
Whether you realize it or not, we have had a few examples of medieval warfare recently despite not going outside today for the archery demonstration.
1. Higgins Armory presentation: The focus was on the evolution of armor and weaponry during the Middle Ages. Typically, only a noble/knight could afford the entire package, which would include customized armor and a mount. Most feudal armies had few knights/cavalry, and were made up primarily of cheap, poorly trained, poorly equipped peasant infantry (foot soldiers). Chainmail was flexible, but knights eventually began to rely on plate armor to completely protect them while riding their horse into a battle.
2. Ulfbehrt video: The Ulfbehrt was made of technologically superior material that must have been expensive, and therefore used by only the upper class Viking warriors who could afford it. It could pierce chainmail, and was flexible enough to withstand the violence of hand-to-hand combat.
3. Today in class: Medieval armies, like other parts of feudal society, showed the hierarchy of the system. Peasant infantry would be called upon to protect the fiefdom or kingdom, and were expected to be led/protected by the upper class knights/lords.
1. Higgins Armory presentation: The focus was on the evolution of armor and weaponry during the Middle Ages. Typically, only a noble/knight could afford the entire package, which would include customized armor and a mount. Most feudal armies had few knights/cavalry, and were made up primarily of cheap, poorly trained, poorly equipped peasant infantry (foot soldiers). Chainmail was flexible, but knights eventually began to rely on plate armor to completely protect them while riding their horse into a battle.
2. Ulfbehrt video: The Ulfbehrt was made of technologically superior material that must have been expensive, and therefore used by only the upper class Viking warriors who could afford it. It could pierce chainmail, and was flexible enough to withstand the violence of hand-to-hand combat.
3. Today in class: Medieval armies, like other parts of feudal society, showed the hierarchy of the system. Peasant infantry would be called upon to protect the fiefdom or kingdom, and were expected to be led/protected by the upper class knights/lords.