Kite shield facts for kids
A kite shield was a special kind of shield used a long time ago. It was shaped like an almond or a flying kite, wide at the top and pointy at the bottom. This shape helped protect warriors from their shoulders all the way down to their feet. It was a very important piece of equipment for knights and soldiers.
Contents
What is a Kite Shield?
A kite shield got its name because it looked a bit like a kite flying in the sky. It was usually quite tall, often more than three feet high. Imagine a shield taller than a small child! These shields were made strong from layers of wood. They were also covered with tough animal hide and had iron parts to make them even stronger.
Why the Shape?
The unique shape of the kite shield was very clever. It was especially good for knights riding horses. The shield could cover most of their body. It protected them from their shoulders down to their legs. This gave the knight more ways to fight safely.
Who Used Kite Shields?
Many knights and soldiers used kite shields for protection. They were very popular with the Norman warriors. You can often see these shields in pictures and stories about Norman battles.
Why Did They Change?
Over time, people started using different kinds of weapons. They also wanted more freedom to move around in battle. Because of this, the kite shield became less common. Warriors began to prefer two-handed weapons and smaller, easier-to-move shields.
Images for kids
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A Norman-style kite shield.
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A kite shield shown on the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
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Kite shields as seen on the Temple Pyx.
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A 15th-century painting of the Archangel Michael with a kite shield.
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People dressed as Norman soldiers with kite shields.
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See also
In Spanish: Escudo de lágrima para niños
