Proto–Full Plate Armor

Timeline

1. 1250–1300Holy Roman Empire · Holy Roman EmpireIn the mid-to-late 13th century, in Germany, France, and elsewhere, chest protection (brigandine/coat of plates) appeared with rectangular metal plates sewn or riveted onto chain mail, enhancing protection against crossbow bolts and slashing blows at relatively low cost.
2. 1301–1310France · Île-de-FranceIn the 1300s, English and French noble knights and heavy cavalry commonly wore greaves, elbow guards, and breast and belly plates worn together with chain mail and surcoats; effigies and military service rolls show the number and coverage of plates steadily increasing in response to the penetrating threat of crossbows.