Lamellar Armor – Popular among Arab, Persian, and Ottoman warriors, lamellar armor consists of small, overlapping plates tied together with leather or metal strips. This armor was flexible yet provided good protection in battle.
Mail Armor (Chainmail) – Known as “Zirah Baktar” in Persian, chainmail was widely used by Middle Eastern forces, especially during the Islamic Golden Age. It offered excellent defense while allowing mobility.
Helmet (Tughra/Zirah Khud) – Middle Eastern helmets were often adorned with nasal guards and decorative elements. Some helmets, especially those from the Ottoman Empire, featured crests, turban shapes, and intricate designs.
Shields (Dhal) – Warriors often carried round or oval shields, typically made of wood, leather, or metal, which were beautifully decorated with engravings or religious inscriptions.
Scale Armor – Another popular form, scale armor was made by sewing metal scales onto a backing material, providing both flexibility and decent protection.
Asian Armor:
Samurai Armor (Yoroi) – One of the most famous armors from Japan, samurai armor was an intricate combination of leather, iron, and silk. It was designed to provide both protection and prestige, often featuring elaborate decorations and masks (mempo).
Chinese Armor – Traditional Chinese armor evolved through dynasties. Early versions included lamellar armor, while the later Ming and Qing dynasties saw more advanced plate armor with beautiful lacquered finishes and silk reinforcements.
Mongolian Armor – Mongol warriors were known for their light and mobile armor, consisting of leather or lamellar plates. This was designed for swift movement on horseback, a key aspect of their battle tactics.
Indian Armor (Chahar-Ai) – Indian armor, such as the “Chahar-Ai,” was made of four metal plates covering the front, back, and sides. Indian soldiers also used chainmail and a combination of mail and plate armor, particularly during the Mughal period.
Korean Armor (Myeonje Baegab) – Korea developed unique armor systems, including the Myeonje Baegab, which was made from layers of fabric and offered a flexible yet protective covering, ideal for their foot soldiers.
