Norman armor
In the 11th century, Norman armor was that which was used during of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror and during the first crusades. It consists of a padded tunic, the gambeson, over which the hauberk is worn, a mail shirt, a “bowl” type helmet with nose protection and a shield.
The hauberk includes a hood (camail) and falls below the knees. It is split in front and behind between the thighs to allow walking and riding. A flap covers the lower face, so only the eyes remain exposed.
The hauberk's metal rings are used to break up shock energy [reference needed] and to prevent the edges of weapons from cutting; the gambeson cushions shocks and prevents injuries from fractures and bruises.
The shield is an evolution of the Viking shield (ancestors of the Normans). It has the shape of a drop of water or an almond, which helps protect the legs. It has two sets of straps through which you pass your arm, which allows you to wear it vertically when walking, or horizontally when riding, to protect the horse's flank. It also has a handle to hold it in the fist, to better shelter against a shower of arrows; on the other side of the handle is a metal protrusion, all forming the umbo. The design on this shield is inspired by Viking designs and does not yet have the function of recognition (heraldry only appeared later, when the face was completely hidden by the helm or the salad).