Did Knights Have Colored Armor? Unveiling the Vibrant Truth

The short answer is a resounding yes, knights absolutely had colored armor. The common image of knights clad solely in gleaming, unadorned steel is a misconception largely fueled by popular culture. In reality, the practice of coloring and decorating armor was quite common throughout the medieval period, albeit with variations in time, place, and the individual knight’s preferences. From practical reasons to expressions of personal identity, colored armor played a significant role in the medieval world.

The Spectrum of Knightly Armor: Beyond Bare Metal

While polished steel was indeed used, often as a base for further embellishment, knights did not shy away from color. The extent and manner of applying color to armor ranged widely. Here are some key points to consider:

Painted Armor

• Knights often painted their armor, using various pigments and techniques. This could range from simple, solid colors to elaborate patterns, including heraldic symbols, personal emblems, or even religious iconography.
• The paint wasn’t always just for decoration; it also served a functional purpose. Black paint, for example, could be used to create a uniform, less reflective surface, potentially providing a tactical advantage.
• The type of paint varied. Silver paint, sometimes containing actual silver, was used to achieve a lustrous effect.

Fabric Covered Armor

• Sometimes, armor wasn’t painted at all, but was covered with fabric. These fabrics could be dyed in a myriad of colors and sometimes adorned with intricate patterns.
• Covering armor with fabric also had a practical side, providing an extra layer of protection, and possibly helping to reduce the noise generated by movement in metal armor.

Gilded Elements

• While not a full coloration, the practice of gilding, applying a thin layer of gold, was also observed. This was more often seen on small elements like spurs, parts of the helmet, or small sections of the mail.

The Significance of Color

The colors a knight chose were often far from random. They carried symbolic weight and could communicate a knight’s status, allegiance, and even personal beliefs:

• Red: Often associated with warriors and nobility, signifying courage and passion.
• Blue: Represented truth and sincerity.
• Black: Signified piety and knowledge (and sometimes the absence of a lord or liege).
• Green: Symbolized hope and joy.
• Heraldic Colors: Knights frequently employed the colors and symbols of their coats of arms on their armor, making them easily identifiable on the battlefield.

Personalization and Identity

For knights, armor was not merely protective gear; it was a canvas for self-expression. Custom-made armor, particularly for wealthier knights, allowed for personal flourishes:

• Coats of Arms: The most prevalent form of personalization was the display of family or personal coats of arms, helping to distinguish a knight in the heat of battle.
• Monograms and Mottos: Knights often had their personal monograms and mottos inscribed or painted on their armor.
• Ornamentation: Beyond color, knights also adorned their armor with various ornaments, often concentrating decoration around the head, chest, and hands.

Practicality Behind the Paint

It is important to remember that medieval armor was often functional as well. It is important to remember that the reason behind color choices was more than just aesthetics.

• Identification: In a melee battle, distinguishing between allies and enemies was critical. Painted armor, especially with unique heraldic symbols, made this easier.
• Camouflage: While not the primary purpose, certain colors and finishes, like matte black, could have offered a form of camouflage in specific environments.
• Protection: Some materials added to armor coatings may have offered additional protection or helped reduce rust.

The Myth of the Gleaming Knight

The image of a knight with ever-gleaming armor is largely a product of romanticized art and literature. While it was important for armor to be well-maintained, its primary function was protection, not aesthetics. The medieval world was a messy place, and armor would often be dirtied by battle, weather and grime. It wouldn’t stay pristine and shining for long. While cleaning armor was crucial for preventing rust, the goal of maintenance was primarily to keep armor functional, rather than achieving a showroom polish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Knights and Armor Color

1. How did knights make their armor black?

Knights generally used black paint to create black armor. The paint was applied directly to the metal surface, sometimes in multiple layers to achieve a deeper hue and prevent rusting.

2. Did knights ever wear pink armor?

The color pink, as we know it today, didn’t exist as a distinct color in medieval times. What we might consider “pink” was termed as “light red” or “white red”. So while they did not use the word, shades of pink were potentially worn, especially by men, as it was once considered a shade of red.

3. What colors were rare in medieval times?

Colors like green and gold were considered rare and expensive to produce in the Middle Ages. This is because the dyes to achieve those colors were more difficult and costly to obtain.

4. Did all knights decorate their armor?

No, not all knights decorated their armor to the same extent. Wealthier knights had more opportunities and resources for customization than common soldiers.

5. How did knights keep their armor from rusting?

After battle, knights cleaned their armor with a mixture of sand and urine to prevent rust. This mixture acted as a mild abrasive and removed dirt and grime, thereby reducing rust-causing moisture.

6. Did knights only wear steel armor?

While steel was the most common material for armor, other materials were used, including iron, bronze, and even horn scales in earlier periods, before the advent of plate armor.

7. Were there really “Black Knights”?

Yes, the term “Black Knight” was used to refer to knights who had their armor painted black, and not always as a sign of evil, sometimes as a symbol of being a free agent. Zawisza the Black was a real historical example. Knights Hospitaller also used black mantles.

8. Did knights have tattoos?

Yes, tattoos were common among some Catholic knights and pilgrims, particularly those returning from pilgrimages to the Holy Land. This was often used to show religious allegiance.

9. Did knights ever wear purple?

Yes, some knights, particularly in Germany and possibly France, are believed to have worn purple colored clothing and armor, even though it was considered difficult and expensive to produce. The color may also have been a less pure purple, referred to as “mulberry” or “Murry”.

10. Why did knights stop wearing armor?

The advent of gunpowder weapons made heavy armor less effective, and armies began to prioritize mobility and stamina over full body protection.

11. Did knights overheat in their armor?

Yes, overheating was a real risk, especially in warm weather. However, modern re-enactors have noted that by ensuring the head doesn’t overheat and staying hydrated, it was bearable.

12. Was all knight’s armor custom made?

No. While knights’ armor was usually custom-made to fit their individual shape, ordinary foot soldiers typically wore mass-produced armor.

13. What did knights wear under their armor?

Under their armor, knights wore a padded garment called an aketon, as well as other clothing such as linen undergarments. This added protection and made the armor more comfortable to wear.

14. Were there different types of armor?

Yes, a number of armor styles were used, with mail or chainmail being used in earlier periods. Later, knights adopted full plate armor which was often considered more protective.

15. What did knights do for fun?

Knights enjoyed activities like tournaments, hunting, and other games that allowed them to practice their fighting skills while having fun.

In conclusion, the notion that knights only wore bare metal armor is a myth. Knights not only had colored armor, but used it as an expression of their individual identity, status, and allegiance. The range of colors, patterns and styles demonstrates a vibrant, diverse and personalized approach to medieval warfare. The information here should give you a more complete picture of the reality of the decorated and colorful world of knightly armor.