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==Scale ([[Armour]])==
'''Scale armour''' consists of small, typically [[metal]] (although [[leather]] is theorised) [[plate]]s of a rounded or point shape that are overlapped in the manner of [[fish]] scales.

These scales might be attached to a [[leather]] or (less likely) [[fabric]] backing. [[Roman]] scale [[armour]] (''lorica plumata'') was backed onto [[maille]].

Never a very popular defence, the individual scales were beaten out individually by hand. Punching of the individual scales during the [[medieval]] era was once believed to be an option but scale [[armour]] had virtually been abandoned before widespread use of sheet [[metal]] was introduced.

See also:
*[[lamellar]]

==Scale (Action)==
To '''scale''' something was to climb it. Typically this term is used to refer to individuals attempting to climb the [[wall]]s during a [[siege]]. Individuals attempting such a seemingly suicidal action may sometimes be seen wearing very large [[kettle helm]] style [[hat]]s with large brims. There is some indication that there were special [[helmet]]s designed specifically for this purpose. It is thought that the kettle helm's wide brim kept it popular with [[knight]]s and [[soldier]]s for such a long time may have something to do with its great usefulness during such activities.

[[category:armour]]
[[category:sieges]]