Kroppsharnesk

Kroppsharnesk is a type of medieval Scandinavian armor, specifically designed to protect the upper body. The term kroppsharnesk is of Old Norse origin, with "kropp" meaning body and "harnesk" meaning armor. This armor type was worn by warriors and knights in Scandinavia during the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.

Characteristics of kroppsharnesk include a breastplate or chest guard, articulatingPauldron shoulder armor, and sometimes a or dic alternative neck or throat piece. The design varied, but it often featured a reinforcing steel band across the shoulders and chest. The armor's primary purpose was to provide protection for the vitals, including the heart and lungs.

In historical records and archaeological findings, kroppsharnesk is often depicted or discovered in conjunction with other armor types, such as the hauberk or mail armor. It is believed to have originated in Viking Scandinavia and evolved from similar armor designs. Only a few surviving examples of kroppsharnesk armor have been discovered, mostly in Scandinavia, indicating the armor's regional significance.

While the term kroppsharnesk is primarily used to describe armor from Scandinavian cultures, similar armor designs have been found in other Northern European cultures. These finds demonstrate the dispersal of armor knowledge and technology across medieval Europe. As the medieval period progressed, kroppsharnesk's design and usage evolved, similar to other types of armor, reflecting the changing needs and technological advancements of the time.