GMorrison
A real question that remains unclear is chain vs. cable. But it's a detail.
Chain does not see a lot of maritime use until the 1800s, in the sens of a line or cable.
But, when it does, it's used everywhere and for everything.
Anchor rodes were ludicrous expensive--all rope making was, this is why strands and yarns were preserved and re-used. It took many yarns to make up a rope, and thre ropes to make a hawser, and so on to make a cable. Which would only bend about 9x diameter (or 3x circumference) for beng natural fiber. So, you needed long flats to stow anchor line. And, it had to be laid so that it did not kink when paid out.
Chain happily will radius about 1.25 link length, and pile in ways that did not not kink, and could be compressed in a vertical locker..
Sailors being a stubborn lot, and much given to tradition, never gave up the proven for the novel, unless it worked better. So, chain leaders for anchors started the trend, this also offered some eather protection to the rodes on deck, too.