Chain mail is a type of armour consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. It was in common military use between the 3rd century BC and the 16th century AD in Europe, while it continued to be used in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as late as the 17th century. A coat of this armour is often called a hauberk or sometimes a byrnie.
A European mail shirt.
The Vachères warrior, 1st century BC, a statue depicting a Romanized Gaulish warrior wearing mail and a Celtic torc around his neck, bearing a Celtic-style shield.
Fresco of an ancient Macedonian soldier (thorakites) wearing mail armour and bearing a thureos shield
Mail armour and equipment of Polish medium cavalryman, from the second half of the 17th century
Armour or armor is a covering used to protect an object, individual, or vehicle from physical injury or damage, especially direct contact weapons or projectiles during combat, or from a potentially dangerous environment or activity. Personal armour is used to protect soldiers and war animals. Vehicle armour is used on warships, armoured fighting vehicles, and some combat aircraft, mostly ground attack aircraft.
Western Xia mail armour
Portrait of a Gentleman in Armour with Two Pages by Paris Bordone
The Dendra panoply, Mycenaean Greek armour, c. 1400 BC
Wooden statue of Guan Yu in mountain pattern armour, 16th c. Ming dynasty
