Scale armor was a highly effective form of body protection used in the ancient and medieval worlds, consisting of numerous small metal plates—or “scales”—sewn or riveted onto a fabric or leather backing. These overlapping plates mimicked the protective structure of fish scales, allowing for flexibility and decent defense against slashing attacks. While less rigid than full plate armor, scale armor was often easier to produce and offered a balance between mobility and protection. Worn by soldiers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, it was especially popular during transitional periods between mail and plate armor systems.
The use of the scale armor antedates the medieval ages and in some cultures, dates back thousands of years.It was one of the most widespread kinds of body armor used before the medieval ages and even during medieval ages in non-European regions. Scale armor was also popularly used to dress up the horse of a warrior in order to protect it on the battlefield.
Scale Armour History
The history of the scale armor dates back thousands of years and was used in many cultures throughout the world.
The use of scale armor in the Chinese culture dates back to at least the 2nd millennium B.C. In Europe, the use of scale armor was common in the Roman armies and was a regular part of the Scythian tribes who came down to Europe from the Eurasia steppes in Late Antiquity.
However, it was less frequent in the Germanic regions and by the time of the medieval ages, the use of scale armor had all but declined in Europe, although it was still used in some instances.
Scale Armour in Medieval Europe
The medieval period saw the rise of chainmail armor in Europe. By the early middle ages, chainmail was a more popular alternative to scale armor.
There is some evidence, though, that a kind of scale armor was used by the Vikings during their early raids into different European territories.
However, other cultures near Europe continued the use of the scale armor at a large scale since it offered better protection from both piercings and heavy blows. Soldiers in the Byzantine Empire, for instance, continued to use the scale armor, at least in protecting their horses.
One possible reason for the decline of the use of scale armor in medieval Europe at large could be the fact that it was more time-consuming to produce. And with the increasing frequency of wars in the medieval ages, the use of scale armor became less viable.
Scale Armour Advantages and Disadvantages
Scale armor was typically cheaper to produce and it could furnish great protection from both piercings and heavy blows. Compared to chainmail, it offered better body protection on the battlefield.
Being attached to a piece of leather or garment on the interior, the scale armor did not require one to wear additional padding under it.
However, compared to chainmail, the scale armor did not offer as much body coverage which could prove a vital battlefield disadvantage. Also, scale armour was less flexible and was consequently less convenient for use because it mitigated a warrior’s maneuverability.
Scale Armour Use on Horses
Although scale armor was rarely used on medieval European battlefields, it continued to be used as a viable form of protection for war horses.
In fact, it was typical of medieval Byzantine soldiers to drape their horses in scale armor while they themselves wore chainmail armor which offered them greater freedom of movement.
