Medieval Scarcelles: Crucial Protection in Armor
An essential piece of medieval knights' clothing, scorpions played a crucial role in personal protection during combat. These small tile-shaped plates, used in the 14th and 15th centuries, had a clear purpose: to protect the weak point between the breastplate and the quixotes, preventing enemy spears from reaching the groin.
These pieces, often overlooked compared to other parts of armor, were critical to survival on the battlefield. Join us on a journey back in time as we explore the history and function of medieval prisons.
The Function of the Scarcelles
The bags, placed on both sides of the knight's waist, fulfilled a crucial mission. They protected a vulnerable area between the breastplate and the quixotes, where the armor did not offer complete coverage. This area was an obvious target for adversaries, and enemy spears could penetrate the defense if not adequately protected.
These tile-shaped plates, with an edge on their vertical axis, deflected blows and prevented the spears from sliding towards the knight's groin. Without a doubt, this ingenious addition to medieval armor significantly increased the survivability of knights in close combat.
Prisons in Different Contexts
Although saddlebags were common in armor for combat on horseback, they were also used in armor for combat on foot. In this case, an additional scabbard was carried that hung from the harness, offering protection to the knight's tailbone. This adaptation demonstrates the versatility and importance of prisoner bags on the medieval battlefield.
In regions such as Italy, medieval saddlebags became a distinctive feature of knights' clothing during the 14th and 15th centuries. Their practical design and life-saving ability made them indispensable in the personal protection of warriors.
Curious Questions about Medieval Prisons
- 1. What was the main function of shoulder straps in medieval armor?
- The saddlebags protected the weak point between the breastplate and the quixotes, preventing enemy spears from reaching the groin.
- 2. In which centuries were medieval prisons most common in Italy?
- Medieval prisons were common in the 14th and 15th centuries in Italy.
- 3. Where were the scabbards placed in the armor for combat on foot?
- In armor for combat on foot, an additional scabbard was worn hanging from the harness to protect the tailbone.
- 4. Why were the bags important in the protection of the knights?
- The scabbards prevented enemy spears from reaching the groin, protecting a vulnerable area of the armor.
- 5. What shape did medieval prisons have?
- Medieval escarcelas were shaped like a tile, with an edge on its vertical axis.
- 6. What was the purpose of the straps on horseback armor?
- In armor for combat on horseback, the scabbards deflected blows and prevented enemy lances from sliding towards the knight's groin.
Do not underestimate the importance of straps in the history of medieval military clothing. These small pieces played an essential role in the knights' survival on the battlefield, protecting a critical weak point in their armor.
