The Medieval Gunpowder Revolution: 10 Moments that Changed Warfare
The invention of gunpowder and its use in weaponry revolutionised medieval warfare, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in military history. What…
When Did Jousting Become Obsolete? Bow & Blade, Episode 55
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions about medieval warfare.
New Medieval Books: A Shattered Realm
This independently published book offers translations of several key sources from 14th and early 15th century Japan, shedding light on the fierce political struggles of the era. Many of these documents are being made available in English for the first time.
Defeat at the Gates: How Inexperience Crushed Byzantium’s Army in 986
In August 986, the Byzantine Empire suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of the Gates of Trajan, where Emperor Basil II’s inexperienced forces were ambushed by the Bulgarian army. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the Byzantine-Bulgarian wars, exposing the empire’s vulnerabilities and shaping Basil’s future as a military leader.
The Knights Templar in Battle: Fanatics or Pragmatists?
Modern-day media typically presents Templar Knights as hate-filled fanatics, frothing with rage, and charging recklessly into combat. This is certainly the impression given by many contemporary books and films on the subject, but is this verdict accurate?
Medieval Battle Speeches: Words That Shaped History
In the heat of battle, when swords clashed and armies trembled, a few powerful words could tip the balance between victory and defeat.
Fight or Flee? The Medieval Dilemma Every Knight Faced
Every knight on the battlefield faced a critical decision: should they fight to the death or choose the shame of fleeing to save…
The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402) – Bow & Blade, Episode 54
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine one of the key battles of that war.
Medieval Marauders: The Ruthless Scavengers of War
The medieval battlefield was not solely the domain of knights and soldiers, but also of opportunistic scavengers who exploited the turmoil for personal…
New Theories on the Battle of Hastings: A Shift in Location and Weather’s Role
Two recent studies are reshaping our understanding of the Battle of Hastings. One challenges the long-held belief about where the battle took place, while the other highlights the crucial role that weather played in the events of 1066.
Near Miss: How Medieval England Was Almost Invaded
In 1385 and 1386, England was about to be invaded by France.
Siege Warfare in the Levant, 1097-1193
What did a siege look like in the 12th-century Middle East? How did people prepare for them? Which technique was the most likely to succeed?
When Knights Misbehaved: Criminal Acts on the Crusades
In the Middle Ages, crusade commanders faced a relentless struggle to maintain order. They knew that minor crimes could quickly spiral into chaos, undermining their authority and jeopardizing the entire campaign.
Surviving Medieval Paris: Life and Death in a War-Torn City
During the Hundred Years’ War, Paris was a city under siege. For sixteen harrowing years, the English ruled, and the streets ran red…
The Art of War in the Renaissance: Technology, Tactics, and the “Face of Battle”
In this talk, Clifford Rogers will place the Battle of Pavia in this context, explaining the general tactics of the day and how they related to what were then recent developments in the technology of firearms and of armor.
New Medieval Books: The Dawn of the Warrior Age
This book offers translations of three medieval texts: The Tale of the Hogen Years, The Tale of the Heiji Years, and An Account of the Jokyu Years, all of which describe war and violence over who would rule the imperial court of Japan.
The Battle Of Ankara (1402)
Huge armies clash as the Ottoman sultan sultan Bayezid I faced off against the emir of the Timurid Empire, Timur. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at the battle and the account of the fighting by Johann Schiltberger.
7 Cunning Byzantine Tactics to Defeat a Medieval Army
Discover ingenious ways to outsmart and defeat a medieval army without direct confrontation, as detailed in the 10th-century Byzantine military manual, the Sylloge Tacticorum.
Can You Move in Medieval Armour? An Experiment in Mythbusting
Many believe the myth that medieval armour was hard to move in. However, with Boucicaut as an example, our video proves that late medieval armour allowed for surprising mobility.
Medieval Masculinity: The Evolution of the Ideal Male Body in the High Middle Ages
Discover how medieval knights balanced physical fitness and spiritual holiness in the High Middle Ages, reshaping the ideal male body. Explore the evolution of masculine virtues through the lens of chivalry, monastic influence, and the crusades.
The Weardale Campaign (1327)
In 1327, Scottish forces invaded England, posing the first test for the newly crowned Edward III. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English response turned out so badly.
Norfolk Soldiers Serving in the Count of Holland’s Friesland Campaign of 1396
John Alban discusses the involvement of English soldiers from Norfolk in a 1396 military campaign led by Albert of Bavaria, also known as the Count of Holland, against the Frisians in the Netherlands.
New Medieval Books: Gunpowder Technology in the Fifteenth Century
After examining what we know about the development of gunpowder in late medieval Europe, this book offers an edition and translation of an early 15th-century manuscript known as a Firework Book.
The Unsung Heroes of Medieval Warfare: How Clerks Shaped Armies
Medieval warfare often evokes images of knights and their weapons, yet a significant but less celebrated group played a crucial role: the clerks.