Chest armor

Cuirass: breastplate and backplate

In the Middle Ages, body armor developed rapidly, and one of its most important components was the cuirass: the breastplate and backplate that fully protected the torso. While mail shirts were predominantly worn in the early Middle Ages, from the 14th century onwards, an increasingly advanced system of steel plates emerged, forming a flexible yet very sturdy armour. The cuirass, consisting of a breastplate and backplate, became the heart of the medieval knight's armor.

Plackart

Many medieval cuirasses were supplemented with extra protection for the lower abdomen and hips. An important component in this was the plackart, a reinforcing plate that shielded the lower part of the torso. This plate was often attached over the breastplate and could be fixed or sliding for more freedom of movement. Particularly in German Gothic armors, the plackart was richly decorated with deep lines and fluting, which was not only ornamental but also made the steel extra strong.

Faulds and tassets

Under the plackart were the faulds: horizontal, overlapping steel lames that enclosed the hips and waist like a kind of metal skirt. Faulds were flexible enough to move during combat but sturdy enough to deflect blows and arrows. At the bottom, tassets could be attached, plates that protected the upper legs – essential for knights on horseback and on foot.

At the back, a culet was often worn, a similar construction of lames that protected the lower back and buttocks. Thus, cuirass, plackart, faulds, culet, and tassets together formed a complete medieval torso armor that offered both mobility and maximum protection. These armor components became characteristic elements of knightly equipment in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.