The design and construction of armor have evolved over time in response to changes in warfare, technology, and materials available. An armor is a ‘protective covering’ worn to protect the body from weapons. Armors have been used throughout history by soldiers, warriors, and knights to shield themselves from various forms of attack, such as swords, arrows, and projectiles. They can be made from various materials, including metal, leather, or even more modern materials like Kevlar. It can cover different parts of the body, such as the torso, limbs, and head, depending on the specific needs of the wearer and the type of combat they anticipate encountering. With the advent of firearms in the early modern period, armor underwent significant changes. Plate armor became less practical against bullets, leading to the development of lighter, more flexible designs like the cuirassier armor worn by cavalry units. These were often made from hardened leather or metal plates to provide protection while maintaining mobility. The image presented herein is of a type of armor designed for use on horseback when armed with pistols and swords, known as Cuirassier Armor. This particular type of suit of armor was used extensively during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). Note the lack of defenses on the lower legs, as these would normally have been guarded by tall leather boots.

1. Evolution of personal armor through epochs of civilization:
From Ancient Greece to Modern Warfare
Presented by
Quadeer Rehman
G2302099G
Email: QUADEER001@e.ntu.edu.sg

2. Introduction:
An armor is a ‘protective covering’ worn to protect the body from weapons. Armors have been used throughout history by soldiers, warriors, and
knights to shield themselves from various forms of attack, such as swords, arrows, and projectiles.
They can be made from various materials, including metal, leather, or even more modern materials like Kevlar. It can cover different parts of the
body, such as the torso, limbs, and head, depending on the specific needs of the wearer and the type of combat they anticipate encountering.
Evolution of personal armor
Ancient Greece Modern strike forces
The design and construction of armor have evolved over time in response to changes in warfare, technology, and materials available.

3. Ancient Greece: Hoplite Armor and Phalanx Formation
The phalanx formation was a block-like infantry formation used by the ancient Greeks that consisted of heavily armed
hoplites who were soldiers armed with spears, swords and large round shields called hoplons. The hoplites stood shoulder
to shoulder in rows (usually 8 rows, or 8 men deep) with overlapping shields and marched forward as one entity against their
enemies. The phalanx formation was a Greek innovation that dominated Greek warfare for centuries.
Helmet
Bronze breastplate
Hoplon shield
Short Sword
8 ft long spear

4. Medieval Period: Knights in armor
Moving forward to the medieval period, we see the emergence of full plate armor for knights. Made predominantly from
steel, plate armor offered superior protection against contemporary weaponry such as swords, spears, and arrows. Its
design was influenced by the need for increased defense against evolving weapons technology.

5. Modern Infantry: Advent of firearms
With the advent of firearms in the early modern period, armor underwent
significant changes. Plate armor became less practical against bullets,
leading to the development of lighter, more flexible designs like the
cuirassier armor worn by cavalry units. These were often made from
hardened leather or metal plates to provide protection while maintaining
mobility.
The image presented herein is of a type of armor designed for use on
horseback when armed with pistols and swords, known as Cuirassier
Armor.
This particular type of suit of armor was used extensively during the Thirty
Years’ War (1618-1648). Note the lack of defenses on the lower legs, as
these would normally have been guarded by tall leather boots.

6. World War I: Trench warfare
World War I marked another milestone in armor evolution. Soldiers in the trenches relied on steel
helmets and body armor to protect themselves from artillery shrapnel and small arms fire. These
advancements in materials and design were driven by the need to adapt to the new realities of
industrial warfare.
To protect themselves from harsh weather conditions, their uniform was made from thick wool and
dyed a khaki color for camouflage.
Innovations during the war:
After 1915, chemical warfare was increasingly employed that affected the eyes, airways, and mucus
membranes. Under these conditions, staying in battle zones became impossible without certain
protective gear, and gas masks were quickly issued to soldiers.
Trench warfare yielded an unusually large number of serious head injuries, often caused by small,
low-energy grenade shrapnel or secondary shrapnel such as pebbles. As protection against these
dangers, the French army in 1915 introduced a steel helmet, whose the form was later adopted by
other Allied forces – Russia, Italy, Serbia and Romania. Steel helmets, however, generally could be
pierced by rifle bullets.

7. Present day: Modern marine forces
Fast forward to the present day, and we find modern Marine forces equipped with advanced personal armor. Materials like Kevlar and
ceramic plates offer lightweight yet effective protection against ballistic threats. These materials have revolutionized the concept of
personal armor, providing soldiers with enhanced survivability on the battlefield.
From L to R: Changes in combat gear through history, USMC tactical vest to protect against ballistic threats, Full combat gear

8. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the evolution of personal armor reflects mankind's continuous innovation in response to changing military
technologies and the advancement of materials science.
From the bronze breastplates of ancient Greece to the high-tech armor of modern strike forces, the key drivers of change have been:
● Need for improved protection: From swords, spears and arrows to ballistic warfare
● Need for adaptability in combat: Changing nature of warfare from ancient Greece to modern day warfare, eg. United States
Marine Corps (USMC)
● Mobility: From heavy bronze or steel armors to remarkably lightweight kevlar body armors
As materials technology continues to advance, we can expect personal armor to evolve further, shaping the future of warfare.

9. Thank you!

10. Sources:
Phalanx | The Hoplite Battle Experience (psu.edu)
The Armour of an English Medieval Knight - World History Encyclopedia
The Knight Armor Through The Middle Ages | Templar Cross (templar-cross.com)
Cuirassier Armor · Weaponry · War and Conquest in Medieval Europe (pennds.org)
Soldiers' Equipment | International Encyclopedia of the First World War (WW1) (1914-1918-online.net)
Everything to know about Marine uniforms | We Are The Mighty
What is Kevlar®? (dupont.com)
Military Body Armor Made with Kevlar® by DuPont Life Protection