Introduction: Medieval history is marked by an evolution of armor design driven by advances in weaponry requiring increased protection of the medieval knight. In this review we seek to answer the question as to whether the codpiece provided genital protection or was merely an outward display of virility. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed and historical texts, documentaries, and artwork were reviewed. Results: The armor used in the early middle ages was chain mail, which initially covered the trunk, upper arms and upper legs, as depicted in the Bayeaux Tapestry. Throughout the centuries, the fashion evolved for chain mail to completely cover the arms, legs, hands, and neck. As weapons became stronger and chain mail failed to protect against blunt injury, full plate armor was developed in the 15th century. Around that time, it is argued that codpieces were first used to protect against syphilis, which was rampant throughout Europe during that time; thus its origins are rooted as protective equipment. In the late 1400s, codpieces were laced to men’s stockings for modesty as their shirts became shorter. They quickly became more ostentatious, bulky, and adorned in ornaments in an “Arms Race” of masculinity. William Shakespeare described codpieces as “the deformed thief of fashion…. like the shaven Hercules”. The enormous metal codpiece of King Henry VIII’s armor is exhibited at the Tower of London, a clear display of masculinity and power. While there are scant reports of genital injuries during battle in medical texts, some historians argue the codpiece was protective and assertive, given that martial strength was an important part of masculinity at that time. Francois Rabelais wrote in a satirical novel in the 1600s that the codpiece is held to be the chief piece of armor among warriors because men’s genitals should be protected in battle just as the seeds of all plants are well fortified by their husks or casings to perpetuate reproduction. Conclusions: In the battlefield, the codpiece on armor was both protective and assertive of masculinity and its use erected but quickly detumesced. SOURCE OF Funding: None
