Archaeologists In Switzerland Recently Unearthed A Near-Complete Medieval Iron Glove That Was Likely Worn By A Knight During The Fourteenth Century
Over the course of human history, people from all different cultures have relied on some form of body armor to protect themselves in battle.
In the early days, humans used materials like wood, leather, or animal hides as protective gear. But, as civilizations learned how to work with metal, armor began to evolve.
Some of the most elaborate pieces were developed throughout the Middle Ages. One example of this is showcased in the recent discovery of a well-preserved gauntlet.
In Switzerland, archaeologists unearthed a nearly complete right-handed iron glove that was most likely worn by a knight in the 14th century.
The metal glove was discovered within a weaving cellar at a medieval town near Kyburg Castle, which is located about 11 miles northeast of Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland.
Kyburg Castle is one of the best-known castles in the region. It is a site of national significance and houses a variety of historical items. The structure overlooks the Töss River and boasts a splendid view of the rolling hills that surround the area.
The weaving cellar was destroyed by a fire in the 14th century, but experts think that a blacksmith was forging metal in the area before the cellar burned down.
According to a translated statement from the Canton of Zürich, the “four-fold finger glove” consisted of “individual iron plates” that were layered on top of each other.
The plates were connected by rivets, and each piece was attached to the interior of the glove on a leather or cloth material. The design gave the wearer’s fingers protection and a wide range of movement.
heikof – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
The gauntlet was found alongside over 50 metal objects, including a hammer, tweezers, tongs, pliers, knives, keys, and fragments of the left-handed glove. Luckily, they came across the collection of items before construction work began at the site.
The recent discovery marks the first time that a gauntlet from the 14th century has been dug up in Switzerland.
While European knights and soldiers started wearing gauntlets in the 11th century, it is rare to find one that predates the 15th century, which is the time period that the previously oldest known gauntlets were from.
“So far, only five other gauntlets from this period have been found during archaeological excavations in Switzerland, although none of these pieces is anywhere near as well-preserved and shows as many details of design and decoration as the Kyburg gauntlet,” wrote the researchers.
However, it is still unclear who exactly wore the glove. The researchers also don’t know if the glove was newly made or had already seen battle. They will be working on investigating these questions for the time being.
In late March, a copy of the glove is scheduled to be publicly displayed as part of a permanent exhibit at Kyburg Castle. The original gauntlet will go on display at the castle for three weeks in the fall.
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