Egyptian Cloth, Hide and Metal Armor

By Crusader1307

From Ancient Egypt's development from The Old to The New Kingdom (a period of several hundred years), they experimented with different type of military armor to protect it's soldiers. One of The earliest form of Linen Armor (15th Century B.C.) Similar in design and construction with the much later Greek Linothorax form, Egyptian Linen Armor was composed of layers of chemically treated and hardened linen strips, overlaid into a cross-pattern (designed to protect the most vital chest organs, yet allow for maximum range of motion). The component extended downwards to protect the stomach as well. Normally, painted (or bleached) White in color, some variants were known to exist to identify “Veteran” or specialized Units (different colors). Egyptian soldiers wore a form of Base Skirt for protection. They wore a basic skirt kilt (that was made of heavy linen). To protect the groin and a small portion of the upper thigh, a heavy woven fiber Cod Plate was designed. Resembling an inverted “teardrop”, it was held in place by a leather or rope belt. These were somewhat effective (and cheap to repair).

Later in The Middle Kingdom Period (around 2250 B.C.), experimentation gave them the development of Animal (or Leather) Hide Armor. This Armor was worn as a tight “girdle” of sorts, that completely covered the front and back of a soldier's torso. These components were made by applying various layers of leather (skin), and treating them for “hardness”. Finally, small pieces were shaped as plates (early Lamellar). And applied to the piece (as an outer layer). This cause the “armor” to become even more stronger. Animal Hide Armor was very effective against sword slashes and cuts. They were only moderately effective against arrows or related “ranged” weapons.

With The New Kingdom, whole suits of Demi-Armor (reserved for Nobles and Royalty), were designed. Their were several known forms. Longer, Mail-like Tunics of plating were constructed for “light warfare”, with a more traditional armor Breastplate designed towards the end of The Kingdom. These heavy bronze Breastplates were either large stylized strips or complete Cuirass type pieces. They were very elaborately decorated and painted (to allow a General or King) to be easily seen in battle).