What is Neck Armor Called?
Direct Answer: Neck armor is typically called a gorget or a cuirass-neckpiece. However, both terms have distinct meanings.
Understanding Neck Armor
- Neck armor or gorgets were an integral part of ancient armor.
- Fauld or vamplate: In some cases, the gorget was split into two halves, fitting under the breastplate in the front and the skirts of the cuirass in the back.
Gorget: A gorget is typically a circular steel collar covering the neck, designed for neck and throat protection during battles.
History
- Ancient Greece (500 BC) and the Roman Empire (100 – 500 AD): The forerunners of gorgets were used, often made of leather, wood, or metal.
- Middle Ages Europe (1000 – 1500 AD): Developed and refined by knights. The gorget became synonymous with medieval armor.
- Examples include the circular gorget of the ancient Greeks and Romans, developed further in medieval Europe’s plate armor suits.
Types of Neck Armor:
| Cuirass | Type of Cuirass | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polish Gorget | A half-gorget protecting the left side of the neck, from the tip of the shoulder to a point on the breast under the left shoulder. Also known as "Polich" gorget. | |
| French-German Gorget | A combination of medieval and renaissance styles |
Wearing Techniques
- Medieval knights could wear the gorget closed or open.
- How to wear: over the chain mail , then covered with metal plates and chain mail._
Practical Applications for Neck Armor
- Defense against bladed weapons aimed at the neck and jaw.
- Increased protection due to its unique design features.
Conclusions on Neck Armor
Neck armor, known as gorgets, has witnessed a significant transformation from faulds split into two halves to developed circular steel collars called _cuirasses.
Your friends have asked us these questions - Check out the answers!