Chainmail Armor Was Likely Invented by Women
Archaeological evidence suggests that chainmail armor was invented by Celtic women around 300 BC, as metalworking was traditionally women's work in many ancient cultures.
About this fact
Contrary to popular belief, many historians believe chainmail was invented by women, particularly among Celtic tribes around 300 BC. In ancient Celtic, Germanic, and Scandinavian societies, metalworking, weaving, and crafting were often considered women's domains. The intricate interlinking technique required for chainmail closely resembles textile weaving patterns that women were experts in. Archaeological finds show that women were buried with smithing tools and jewelry-making equipment. The skill required to create thousands of perfectly interlocked rings would have been natural for women who spent their lives working with intricate patterns in textiles. Even the word 'mail' comes from the Latin 'macula' meaning 'mesh of a net,' highlighting its textile origins.