Italian Medieval Armies 1000–1300
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About this book
As early as the 11th century, Italian warfare was developing along lines which were unique in medieval Europe. This fragmented, cosmopolitan region, increasingly rich from international trade, saw the rise of independent cities able to fund armies of urban militia, sometimes defying the traditional feudal aristocracy. Against this background regional powers - the Normans, the Papacy, the German Emperors, the Angevins and Aragonese - manoeuvred for advantage. This engrossing account of the armies of northern and southern Italy - their organisation, command structure, strategy, tactics and fortifications - is illustrated with rare manuscript images, diagrams of fortifications, and eight striking colour plates showing armour and weapons of all types.
Contents
· The 'communal' armies of urban northern Italy - resisting Magyar attack, throwing off German domination, recruiting French mercenaries · The 'feudal' armies of rural Italy · Trade and naval domination · The 'crossbow revolution' · Italy and the Crusades - the military power of the Papacy · The Normans in the south - outside influences · The development of the Italian arms industry
Paperback; September 2002; 48 pages; ISBN: 9781841763224