SOURCE4 From The History of the Art of War in the Middle Ages by C. Oman, published in 1924. The battle described here is between Swiss and German infantry. The two bristling lines of pikes crossed, and the leading files were thrust upon each other’s weapons by the irresistible pressure from behind. Often the whole front rank of each phalanx went down in the first onset, but their comrades stepped forward over their bodies to continue the fight.
3.6 SkillBuilder activity COMMUNICATING Refer to SOURCE5 and your broader knowledge to answer the questions.
SOURCE5 The development of the knight’s armour: change and continuity
Early 1100s
• Cone-shaped helmet with protective nose strip • Long chain mail suit with sleeves (called a hauberk). It is made of thousands of metal rings. • Large, kite-shaped shield • Padded woollen tunic (called a gambeson)
Late 1100s
• Helmet is rounder with wider nose band • Loose-fitting surcoat worn over chain mail armour to protect it from sun’s heat • Coat of arms identifies the knight • Hauberk now covers neck and is attached to helmet with leather strips • Hauberk now includes chain mail mittens. It is getting shorter. • Shield is not as big and is more triangular • Chain mail leggings now cover feet
1400s
• Whole suit of armour weighs about 25 kilograms, but is more flexible than chain mail armo • Lighter helmets, called barbutes • Plate armour (made
1300s • Bascinet helmets worn by late 1300s. Visor can be lifted up. • Pieces of hammered iron plate are added for protection. The combined weight of chain mail and plate armour is now so great that a knight cannot get up on his own if he falls over.
from hammered iron) covers whole body. Joined with metal rivets and leather strips.
• Shield is smaller and curved for added protection • Iron gloves (called gauntlets) protect the hands. • Hauberk is even shorter • Padded stockings with iron braces are worn
• No need for shield • Iron shoes
1. Describe how the knight’s weapons and armour changed between the early 1100s and the 1400s. List at least four things that changed (this might include changes in function, appearance or shape).
2. Explain why the shield disappeared as armour in medieval Europe by the 1400s. 3. Use the images in the source to clarify why knights were always from wealthy families.
68 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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