gambeson maciejowski bibleThe earliest proven use of the gambeson dates from the late 11th to early 12th century AD, although it is likely that gambesons were already used in the early Middle Ages. The gambeson can be worn on its own or under a hauberk. Under a hauberk, it protects from the impact of blows directly to the body. Hauberks were sometimes so thick and tough that they could even provide protection against arrows fired with low draw weight. This type of gambeson is