gothic besagews 15th centuryHigh Gothic besagews or besagues (rondels), based on a historical example from Germany dated to 1472 AD. Besagews are a type of rondel designed to protect the armpits as part of a suit of armor. The besagews of Gothic armor were decorative but primarily intended to shield the armpits and upper arms from powerful cuts and strikes. The increasing effectiveness of offensive weapons created a need for improved protection, and every effort was made to