How much did plate armor weigh?

How much did plate armor weigh?

Plate armor, worn by knights and samurais, was a essential part of their defensive outfit. The weight of such armor varied depending on its composition, size, and type. In this article, we will delve into the world of plate armor and explore how much these magnificent pieces of history actually weighed.

Direct answer

A complete suit of plate armor made from well-tempered steel weighs around 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs). This significant weight was distributed evenly over the body, allowing a knight to move with ease.

Types of armor

There were various types of plate armor, and each had its unique features and weights. Some popular types include:

• Cuirass: Breastplate and backplate (8-12 kg, 18-26 lbs)
• Armor plate: Individual plates, often worn on arms and legs (1-4 kg, 2.2-8.8 lbs)
• Gambeson: a linen or cotton tunic, often worn under other armor (1-4 kg, 2.2-8.8 lbs)

Famous examples

Here are a few examples of heavy plate armor:

• The foot combat armor of Henry VIII weighed 42 kg (93 lbs).
• The samurai army, known for their sleek and agile armor, averaged around 20 kg (44 lbs).
• One of the heaviest plates was the iron lamellar armor, used during the Jin Dynasty in ancient China, which weighed approximately 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs).

Comparative table

How did knights move?

Despite the significant weight, knights were able to move relatively easily due to various design features:

• Well-balanced weight distribution helped knights maintain their balance while mounted or on foot.
• The armor was designed with movable joints, allowing flexibility and ease of movement.
• Knights often wore light clothing underneath their armor for added comfort.

Key takeaways

In summary, plate armor varied significantly in weight, from relatively light to extremely heavy, depending on the type, composition, and era of creation. While knights’ armor weighed around 15-25 kg, specialized armor like the foot combat armor of Henry VIII, samurai armor, or the iron lamellar armor weighed much more.

Please note that the exact weight of plate armor is subjective and may vary depending on the source. This article provides a general overview, and the weights mentioned may not be exact, as the original sources are not definitive.