Throughout history, the evolution of armor has showcased human ingenuity, blending practicality with craftsmanship to meet the demands of battle. From fierce barbed armors to cutting-edge exoskeletons, each design reflects the innovation of its time. Let’s dive into 20 of the most remarkable armors ever created.
20. Kiribati Armor: Fishy and Fierce
Hailing from the island of Kiribati in Micronesia, Kiribati Armor was crafted from the dried remains of fish and coconut fibers. While not practical for combat—it could shatter under impact—it likely served ceremonial purposes. This fishy armor exemplifies how communities creatively used their resources for protection and display.
19. Tournament Helm (Kolbenturnierhelm)
The Kolbenturnierhelm, from 14th-15th century Germany, might look like strange beekeeper helmets, but they were tournament armor for mounted combatants. Weighing about 13 pounds, these bulky, hollow helmets gave wearers a distinct and imposing presence in tournaments. Despite their cumbersome design, the intricate floral decorations made them a statement piece in medieval tournaments.
18. Brewster Body Shield: WWI’s Unconventional Protection
In the throes of World War I, Guy Brewster invented a 40-pound suit of armor meant to protect soldiers from gunfire. While Brewster even tested it himself by enduring sledgehammer and machine gun strikes, the design was too bulky for battlefield use. Despite its innovation, the armor never gained widespread traction as the war ended.
17. Tlingit Tribe Armor: Fear in Leather
The Tlingit Tribe of Southeastern Alaska designed sleeveless hide coats with wooden collars and helmets featuring fearsome faces. This armor blended artistry with functionality—warriors could lock the collar and helmet together to shield their faces during combat, making it as intimidating as it was protective.
16. Maximilian I’s Gauntlets: A Fashionable Weapon
During the reign of Maximilian I, late Gothic armor became all the rage. His steel gauntlets, adorned with intricate floral designs, were as much about intimidation as they were about function. These artful gauntlets reflect the era’s focus on blending protection with elaborate fashion.
15. Dog Armor: War Pups
Even dogs have seen battle. During Japan’s late Edo period, samurais outfitted their canine companions in full armor, including carved wooden masks. Meanwhile, Spanish conquistadors equipped their war dogs with spiked collars. While it sounds whimsical, dog armor played a strategic role in historical warfare.
14. Spiked Hunting Suit: A Bearish Mystery
A mysterious spiked suit, believed to be a Siberian bear hunting suit from the 1800s, has sparked debate about its origins. Whether ceremonial or functional, the leather and wooden spike design is undeniably fearsome. While its true purpose remains uncertain, it’s an unforgettable piece of armor lore.
13. War Elephants: Armored Giants
India’s war elephants were true living tanks. Armored with up to 260 pounds of metal and leather in the 17th-18th centuries, these elephants were used to break enemy lines. Their sheer size, combined with armor, made them a terrifying force in psychological warfare.
12. Filippo Negroli: Armor as Art
In the 16th century, Filipo Negroli became famous for creating ornate armor more suited for parades than battle. His golden helmet for Charles I, Holy Roman Emperor, weighed around 8 pounds and featured stunning details. Although lacking in full-face protection, it was a symbol of power, emphasizing the role of appearance in warfare.
11. Matching Armor: The Duke and His Horse
In the 1550s, Sigismund II Augustus, Grand Duke of Lithuania, had a matching set of armor crafted for him and his horse. Lavishly designed and gilded, this set wasn’t just protective—it was meant to dazzle enemies and showcase the duke’s immense wealth and power.
10. Savoyard Helmet: Skulls of Terror
Elite 17th-century cavalry units wore Savoyard helmets designed to look like human skulls. Made from blackened steel, these helmets were as much about intimidation as protection. Their terrifying design gave the wearer a psychological edge in battle.
9. Men-yoroi Masks: Samurai’s Fearsome Face
Samurai armor often included men-yoroi masks featuring aggressive expressions to scare opponents. Made of lacquered metal or leather, these masks also had practical elements like perspiration drain holes, showing the blend of function and artistry in Japanese armor.
8. Jabas: Africa’s Quilted Defense
In sub-Saharan Africa, warriors wore jabas, thick quilted cotton armor, to protect against swords and daggers. Although jabas proved less effective against bullets, as seen in the Battle of Omdurman in 1896, their lightweight design allowed for mobility in hot climates.
7. Dingjia Armor: Ceremonial Elegance
In the 18th century, Dingjia armor was worn by officials during ceremonies. Made from overlapping plates, it wasn’t intended for combat but instead emphasized status and elegance, highlighting the ceremonial importance of armor in many cultures.
6. Kabuto: The Iconic Octopus Helmet
The Kabuto, a traditional Japanese helmet, often featured decorative elements like an octopus, symbolizing the relationship between the people and the sea. Its craftsmanship wasn’t just about protection—it was a testament to the artistry of samurai culture.
5. Eliseus Libaerts: Myth Meets Armor
In the 1550s, Eliseus Libaerts created armor inspired by Roman mythology for the Holy Roman Emperor. This armor wasn’t just protective—it was a statement of power and prestige, reflecting the blend of art and functionality in historical armor.
4. Hussars: Winged Warriors
The Hussars of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth were known for their dramatic armor, complete with large feathered wings. Weighing about 33 pounds, the armor was designed to be both protective and intimidating, turning these warriors into a striking presence on the battlefield.
3. Jousting Armor: A Noble Sport
Jousting’s popularity in the late 16th century led to the creation of specialized armor for both horse and rider. This armor, designed to protect against blunt force, was as much about spectacle as it was about safety, showcasing the skills of Europe’s noble class.
2. TALOS: The Future of Armor
In 2013, the U.S. Special Operations Command developed the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), a powered exoskeleton designed to enhance soldiers’ strength and endurance. Although eventually deemed impractical, TALOS represented a bold step forward in the evolution of military armor.
1. The Gilded Saint: A Holy Display
The remains of Saint Pancras were adorned with gilded armor in the 18th century, blending art and spirituality. This armor wasn’t meant for battle—it was a protective display that reflected the importance of religion and craftsmanship in historical armor.
