During ancient battles, soldiers in hot regions like the Middle East and India faced scorching temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius (95°F) while wearing heavy metal body armor.

How did they survive this extreme heat?

One popular theory suggests that soldiers wore surcoats, light cotton coats worn over the armor, to mitigate the heat.

The surcoat shielded the metal armor from direct sunlight and absorbed less heat, keeping the wearer cooler.

This practice is evident in historical images of Persian, Turkish, and Mamluke warriors, who often wore surcoats or robes over their armor.

Cultural Influence on Clothing

Additionally, typical Arab clothing, even in modern times, consists of full-length white coats, reflecting the region's hot climate.

The light color and loose fit of these garments provide protection from the sun and help regulate body temperature.

The garment's design aligns with the need for heat management in such environments.

Impact of Historical Events

Another intriguing observation is from the Bayeux tapestry, where Norman Knights are depicted without surcoats.

However, later depictions of English and French knights, post-crusades, show them wearing surcoats, indicating a potential fashion adopted by knights after encounters with warriors from hot regions.

Material Science and Armor Design

Furthermore, advancements in material science may have influenced armor design to minimize heat absorption and enhance breathability.

Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that armor evolved over time, incorporating ventilation and lighter materials to address the challenges posed by extreme heat.

Tactical Adaptations

Soldiers likely employed tactical adaptations, such as altering battle strategies and finding shade during combat, to manage the effects of heat while wearing metal armor.

These adjustments could have played a significant role in their ability to endure the harsh conditions of warfare.

Environmental Impact

Moreover, soldiers' endurance in such challenging climates may have also been influenced by their physiological and psychological adaptations to the environment over generations.

Understanding how soldiers coped with heat while wearing metal armor provides valuable insights into historical warfare and the resourcefulness of ancient societies in adapting to their surroundings.