There were two sorts of Spanish conquistadors: horsemen or cavalry and foot soldiers or infantry. The cavalry would usually carry the day in the battles of the conquest. When the spoils were divided, cavalrymen received a much higher share of the treasure than foot soldiers. Spanish medieval armor is a fascinating topic that showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Spain during the Middle Ages. From intricately detailed helmets to robust suits of armor, these pieces not only protected knights in battle but also reflected their social status and cultural identity.
Armor for mounted combat of Philip II of Spain, by Desiderius
A morion ( Spanish: morrión) is a type of open-faced combat helmet originally from the Kingdom of Castile (Spain), [1] used from the beginning 16th to early 17th centuries, usually having a flat brim and a crest from front to back. Its introduction was contemporaneous with the exploration of North, Central and South America. During the medieval period, Spanish chivalry arose as a unique cultural phenomenon, deeply influenced by the socio-political landscape of the time. The era was marked by a fierce and prolonged conflict between the Christian kingdoms in the north and the Moorish rule in the south. Medieval armours. Spanish armors made in Toledo. MEDIEVAL ARMORS. HISTORY AND EVOLUTION. The medieval armours were a essential element for the middle age knights, protecting them in the assaults that they could suffer with swords or other weapons. During the Middle Ages, Medieval Europe was engaged in constant warfare. European warfare during the Middle Ages was marked by a transformation in the character of warfare from antiquity, changing military tactics, and the role of cavalry and artillery.
Parts of Armor made for the Spanish Nobelman Don Sancho de Avila in
Dirk H. Breiding Department of Arms and Armor, The Metropolitan Museum of Art October 2004 At the turn of the fifteenth to the sixteenth century, one of the most startling changes in taste and fashion occurred, which was immediately mirrored in armor and can best be witnessed in the German harness of the period. This helmet is the only known example of armor to survive from the entire Nasrid period in Spain (1230-1492). Traditionally, it is said it belonged to Abd 'Abd Allāh Muhammad, known in the West as Boabdil, the last Nasrid king of Granada (reigned 1482-83 and 1487-92) before it was reconquered by the Spanish. Reed, Paul Alex. " European 16th Century Armour ." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 19 Jul 2022. Web. 28 Dec 2023. Typical weapons and armour used in European warfare in the 16th century and by conquistadors in the New World. (Grand Master's Palace Armoury, Valletta, Malta) When it comes to medieval armor, the Spanish Morion helmet is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pieces. Used during the 16th and 17th centuries, this helmet became synonymous with Spanish conquistadors and their expeditions to the New World. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and significance of the Spanish Morion helmet.
Medieval Knight, Medieval Armor, Kate Beckinsale Pictures, Armours
medieval Exploring the Rich History of Medieval Armor by Country: Unveiling the Battle-Ready Secrets of Knights and Warriors The diversity of medieval armor across different countries offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique approaches and techniques employed by ancient civilizations. [1] The use of plate armour began to decline in the early 17th century, but it remained common both among the nobility (The most important figures of the time like the Emperor Ferdinand II, Louis XIII, Philip IV of Spain, Maurice of Orange and Gustavus Adolphus wore plate armor.) and for the cuirassiers throughout the European wars of religion.
Spain was very definitely the dominant military power of 16th Century Europe, primarily because her troops were the only real regulars west of the Ottoman Empire—regular, that is, in the sense that they alone were permanently employed, since Spain was permanently at war. The Royal Armoury of Madrid or Real Armería de Madrid, is a collection that, among many other things, contains the personal arms of the Kings of Spain, and also houses military weapons, armours and diplomatic works of art like mixed tapestries, paintings and other works of art and trophies.
FileSpanish armor.jpg Wikimedia Commons
The majority of armor used during the six or seven centuries between the fall of Rome and the early medieval period consisted of helmets, shirts of mail or scales, and shields. Unfortunately, extant pieces are extremely rare (e.g., only four Anglo-Saxon helmets survive today), so that it is difficult to draw a reliable picture. This list identifies various pieces of body armour worn from the medieval to early modern period in the Western world, mostly plate but some mail armour, arranged by the part of body that is protected and roughly by date.
