The 'Steel of Glory' exhibition, showcasing Italian knightly artifacts, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, tracing the evolution of knighthood from its origins to its golden age. This historical journey, which began in Shenzhen, China, in March 2025, allows us to compare the knightly world of the 8th-9th centuries with the zenith of the 11th-13th centuries, when knights became a recognized social class.
The exhibition's focus on the evolution of armor is particularly noteworthy. The complete armor for horse and knight, displayed after two centuries, provides a tangible link to the past, demonstrating how armor design changed over time to meet the demands of warfare and social status. The inclusion of a rare child's armor and a helmet shaped like fantastic animals further emphasizes the historical context, offering insights into the lives and experiences of different segments of society during the Renaissance period.
The sword belonging to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, is a masterpiece of chiseling, and its presence offers a chronological marker of the unification of Italy. The exhibition's travels to other Chinese museums, though currently with unknown dates, promise to extend the historical narrative to a wider audience, allowing for a deeper understanding of the cultural exchange between Italy and China.
The 'Steel of Glory' exhibition is more than just a display of artifacts; it's a chronological exploration of knighthood, offering a window into a significant era in history. It allows us to appreciate the legacy of knights and their impact on society.