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Knights wore a suit of armour in battle in the Middle Ages, as did their horses! A head-piece from such horse armour is shown on the front cover of this book. This armour protected the horse while the spike provided an extra weapon. Combat on horseback is difficult. Knights had to practise for long periods, together with their horses. They also competed in tournaments as preparation for battle. Other weapons were introduced towards the end of the Middle Ages. Gunpowder was invented, as were the crossbow, longbow and large bow and arrow. As these weapons could both penetrate armour and be used from great distances, hand-to-hand combat was no longer suitable. Especially if you first lured the knights and their armoured horses into a marshy area, which is what happened at the Battle of Agincourt, in France (1415). The knights proved too heavy and bulky to move through the mud... This marked the end of the age of knights. Although knights still competed in tournaments after this time, this was more of a combat sport with an audience.
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COURSEBOOK 1 VWO
History for VWO
Coursebook 1 VWO Name Class
Discover the past, understand the present
versie 2.1
9789006398960_Phoenix_LRN-line_Book1_vwo_Textbook_DRUK.indd 1,3
18/06/2026 08:50