Plate armour is a type of protective clothing made from large metal plates, designed to shield the wearer from weapons in battle. It became popular in the late Middle Ages, particularly among knights, due to its ability to deflect blows and provide better protection than earlier forms of armour, such as chainmail. The construction of plate armour involved shaping metal plates to fit the body, allowing for greater mobility while still offering strong defense. Key components included the breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves, which covered vital areas. This innovation significantly changed warfare and the role of knights on the battlefield.