Facts and Interesting Information about Medieval Weapons, Armour, and Arms, Specifically Siege Warfare
Definition of Siege Warfare
Siege Warfare was a Medieval military operation involving the surrounding and blockading of a town, castle, or fortress by an army in an attempt to capture it. To lay siege or to besiege. The term derives from the Middle English word ‘sege’ from the Old French meaning blockade.
Description of Medieval Siege Warfare
The Medieval period was an era marked by extreme violence, with battles raging across Europe and the Holy Land, especially during the Crusades. These crusaders fought to control territories that had to be fiercely defended or captured. As power was often consolidated in fortifications, the art of war evolved to include specialised strategies for capturing these strongholds — leading to the development of Siege Warfare. Castles and fortified towns were the epicentres of power for kings, lords, and knights, and as a result, Siege Warfare became the most common form of military engagement during the Middle Ages.
Evolution and Influence on Siege Warfare
Siege Warfare was not just a static set of tactics but an ongoing battle of innovation between attackers and defenders. The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), a series of conflicts between England and France, showcased the continuous evolution of siege tactics as both sides developed new methods to attack and defend castles. The invention of gunpowder in the late Middle Ages brought about significant changes in siege warfare, rendering traditional fortifications vulnerable to bombardment by cannons and other gunpowder-based weapons. Additionally, the experience gained during the Crusades influenced siege tactics, as European armies encountered and adapted techniques used by the Muslim defenders of the Holy Land.
Medieval Siege Warfare
Medieval Siege Warfare was an extremely expensive and time-consuming endeavour, yet it remained a common form of warfare during these violent times. Siege Warfare was essential in various key conflicts, including:
- The Crusades: The use of Siege Warfare by crusaders was pivotal in capturing towns and fortresses in the Holy Land from the Saracens.
- The Hundred Years’ War: The English and French extensively employed Siege Warfare as they vied for control over French territories.
- The Fight for Power in England: Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, stone castles became crucial power bases for warring lords and knights.
Capturing an enemy’s power base, whether a town, fortress, or castle, was vital for ensuring victory. More Medieval sieges occurred than pitched battles, reflecting the importance of this form of warfare.
Medieval Siege Warfare from the Attackers’ Perspective
Attackers had the upper hand in negotiations, controlling the siege and possessing the option to withdraw. In England, the attacking force was often raised through the Medieval Feudal Levy, with nobles and their troops obliged to serve for a limited period — usually 40 days. Thus, cost and time were critical, pressuring both sides to reach a peaceful agreement. Attackers abroad, however, were not bound by such strict time limits, although cost remained a significant factor. Massive siege weapons like the Ballista, Mangonel, Battering Ram, Siege Tower, and the formidable Trebuchet were used. A prolonged siege was undesirable due to the high costs and the negative impact on morale.
Medieval Siege Warfare from the Defenders’ Perspective
Defenders knew the high costs of a siege and the significant challenges it posed to the attackers, particularly in terms of manpower. For those ‘Under Siege,’ survival hinged on withstanding the assault of siege weapons or enduring a prolonged siege, where food, fresh water, and morale were critical.
Medieval Siege Warfare Fought According to the Chivalric Code and Rules
Neither attackers nor defenders desired a prolonged siege. Siege Warfare was governed by the Chivalric Code, which dictated that truce or settlement should be attempted before hostilities began. The Chivalric Code regulated Siege Warfare, with rules allowing for surrender under honourable terms. Both sides would assess the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses before assembling siege weapons and forces. Key elements of the Chivalric Code included:
- Time: A specific amount of time was allowed for truce or surrender negotiations, typically ranging from 7 to 40 days.
- Honourable Surrender: Negotiations for an honourable surrender had to occur before the start of hostilities.
- Safe Conduct: Castle inhabitants could leave unharmed.
- Weapons: Inhabitants were often allowed to retain their weapons.
- Intentions: Attackers would signal the start of the siege with flags or by launching arrows or crossbow bolts at the castle entrance.
Medieval Weapons and Armour – Siege Warfare
These technological advancements in weapons, armour, and fortification strategies reflect the relentless arms race that characterised Medieval warfare. The constant push and pull between attackers and defenders led to a period of significant military innovation, shaping the strategies and outcomes of conflicts throughout the Middle Ages. The history of Siege Warfare offers a compelling look at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of both sides in one of the most challenging forms of combat during this period.