Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World 500-1500: Equipment, combat skills and tactics - Hardcover

Bennett, M Et Al

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1906626626 ISBN 13: 9781906626624

Publisher: Amber, 2010

Synopsis

Describes the fighting methods of soldiers in Europe and the Near East in an age before the widespread use of gunpowder This informative book describes the fighting techniques of soldiers in what has been characterised as the 'age of chivalry' and it shows in detail the methods by which armies gained and lost ascendancy on the battlefield. Examined firstly are the individual components of the medieval army, the foot soldier and the mounted soldier and the equipment they wore and used and how they fought together as a unit. Certain types of unit are described - like Welsh longbowmen and Italian mercenaries - and why they were more effective than others, such as the French armoured knights at Agincourt. The third section discusses how these units were used together on the battlefield and the importance of a general correctly disposing his troops before the battle began - key battles such as Lincoln, Bannockburn and Crecy are examined - and also the contrasting tactics of both sides during crusades and the various shortcomings of the crusaders and their leaders. The fourth part looks at the specialist techniques and equipment developed for siege warfare - a common event in this era of fortification. The last section covers naval warfare, from the ships in which the men fought to the weapons they carried and the major battles of the period including the battle of Meloria in the Mediterranean. Using specially commissioned artwork to illustrate the battles, equipment, and tactics of the era, Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World shows in detail the ways in which armies prevailed over their foes. It is an essential book for any reader interested in the realities and means of medieval warfare.

About this title

About the Author

Matthew Bennett is a Senior Lecturer at The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. His books include the Cambridge Atlas of Warfare: The Middle Ages and Agincourt, 1415.
 
Jim Bradbury's books include The Medieval Archer, The Medieval Siege, and The Routledge Companion to Medieval Warfare.
 
Kelly DeVries is Professor of History at Loyola College in Maryland. He is the author of Medieval Military Technology, Infantry Warfare in the Early Fourteenth Century, Joan of Arc: A Military Leader, and Guns and Men in Medieval Europe.
 
Iain Dickie has been a committe member of the Society of Ancients and editor of Army & Navy Modelworld, Military Hobbies, and Miniature Wargames magazines.   Phyllis Jestice is Assistant Professor of Medieval History, University of Southern Mississippi. She was previously Lecturer in Ancient and Medieval History, California State University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Amber
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1906626626
• ISBN 13: 9781906626624
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256