Warfare in the Middle Ages

Warfare in the Middle Ages (roughly 500-1500 AD) was characterized by feudal systems, where lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service. Battles often featured heavily armored knights, infantry, and archers, using weapons like swords, bows, and catapults. Castles served as fortifications, while strategies relied on formations and terrain. Key developments included the rise of crossbows and gunpowder toward the end of the period. Warfare was influenced by politics, religion, and commerce, leading to significant conflicts such as the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War, which shaped European power dynamics and societal structures.