chain mail chausses round rings round rivetsChainmail was invented around 500 BC by the Celts and was used by the Romans before they wore suits of armour. Chain mail was frequently worn in the Middle Ages when it became very popular. Chainmail chausses were the standard type of metal leg protection in Europe from the 9th century until the early 14th century. They offered flexible protection against most weapons but were gradually replaced by iron plate armor from the second half of the 13th