Did arrows pierce plate armor?
Computer analysis by Warsaw University of Technology in 2017 demonstrated that heavy bodkin-point arrows could penetrate typical plate armour of the time at 225 metres (738 ft).
How did Knights pierce armor?
There were specially forged arrows designed to pierce armor. In the hands of a skilled archer, as Gwydion says they were lethal for Knights. Lances, Knights jousted to practice skewering each other on lances on the battlefield. With the power of a warhorse behind them the metal tips could easily kill.
Can a longbow pierce plate armor?
Yes, but much depends on range, arrow type, and the quality of the plate armor. The heavy English longbows, throwing heavy arrows made of ash and equipped with “pile” arrowheads were known to pierce plate.
Why did Knights need to wear armor and who were they protecting?
English medieval knights wore metal armour of iron or steel to protect themselves from archers and the long swords of opponents. From the 9th century CE, chain mail suits gave protection and freedom of movement until solid plate armour became more common in the 14th century CE.
How did medieval knights actually fight?
A lance was a long wooden spear with a sharp metal point. When knights fought, they would charge at each other on their horses from as far away as possible. So then the knights would fight with swords, standing up in their stirrups and hammering at each other’s helmets or trying to cut through each other’s mail.
How effective were crossbows/arrows against knights?
In the right hands they were incredibly powerful and the arrows could penetrate armor. Also, crossbow bolts can penetrate armor. As you say, arrows were mostly ineffective against knights in the general case. This was because many archers did not use real longbows, and because if the arrow hit at an angle, it would just glance off.
Why didn’t armor in WW1 prevent arrows from penetrating it?
With that said, because high quality steel was expensive many soldiers especiallyfootsoldiers, who were generally lower in rank then their mounted counterparts, could not afford full steel plate armour of the grade necessary to prevent arrow penetration.
What are the disadvantages of armor in medieval warfare?
First off, regular armor doesn’t cover the entire body of the wearer. As a result, there were many exposed body parts where an opponent could strike. In fact, a good shot by a skilled archer could even pierce weaker armor at close range.
Did knights die in battles wearing heavy armor?
Despite wearing armor that virtually covered their entire bodies, armor-clad warriors DID die in battles, which makes one wonder how knights wearing such heavy armor were felled using nothing more than swords and arrows. Before we discuss this any further, let’s first take a look at some interesting aspects related to this discussion: