FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF THE MEDIEVAL WORLD 500-1500: Equipment, Combat Skills and Tactics

Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World describes the fighting techniques of soldiers in what has been characterized as the 'age of chivalry'. The book explores the tactics and strategy required to win battles with the technology available, and points out how the development of such weapons technology changed the face of the battlefield. Divided into five sections, the text first examines the individual components of the medieval army, the foot soldier and the mounted soldier, the equipment they wore and used, and how they fought together as a unit. Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World describes why certain types of unit - like Welsh longbowmen and Italian mercenaries - were more effective than others - like the French armored 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. It also examines the contrasting tactics of both sides during the crusades, and points out the various shortcomings of the crusaders and their leaders. The fourth part of the book looks at the specialist techniques and equipment developed for siege warfare - a common event in this era of fortification. Finally, 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. Using specially commissioned color and black-and-white artworks to illustrate the battles, equipment and tactics of the era, Fighting Techniques of the Medieval World shows in detail the methods by which armies gained and lost ascendancy on the battlefield.