European chain mail

Timeline

1. c. 900–930Western Europe · Western EuropeBy the early 10th century chain mail was quite common among Western European noble warriors; woven from riveted or welded iron rings into a garment, it balanced flexibility and protection, gradually replacing earlier scale armor.
2. c. 930–970Rhineland and the Low Countries · Low CountriesChain mail manufacturing techniques continued to improve, with optimized ring diameter and weave density; some armors began to be paired with iron caps and leg guards, forming a more complete protection system.
3. 980–1000Europe · EuropeAround the year 1000, chain mail had become the standard equipment of European heavy cavalry, forming, together with shield and spear, the core armament of the feudal knight.