Medieval Warfare
Medieval warfare, spanning roughly the 5th to the late 15th centuries, involved combat between knights on horseback, foot soldiers, and various siege technologies. Armies were often feudal, led by lords who supplied troops. Battles typically featured formations, like the shield wall or the use of pikes, and strategy focused on terrain and morale. Armor evolving from chainmail to plate increased protection. Key developments included the crossbow and longbow, which changed engagement distance. Warfare also encompassed sieges, where castles and fortified cities were attacked. Religion and politics often drove conflicts, shaping the turbulent landscape of medieval Europe.
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Medieval warfare refers to the military conflicts from approximately the 5th to the late 15th centuries, characterized by the use of knights, castles, and various weaponry, such as swords, bows, and siege engines. Armies were often feudal, relying on noble lords for soldiers. Battles were fought on open fields or during sieges, with tactics involving cavalry and infantry formations. The introduction of gunpowder in the late medieval period began to change warfare dynamics, leading to the decline of knight-centric combat. Religion, politics, and territorial disputes were common motivations behind the conflicts of this era.