Battles of the Medieval World

Battles of the Medieval World introduces 20 key battles from Europe and the Near East in an age when traditional chivalric codes gave way to increasing professionalism in armies. Beginning with the battle of Hastings (1066), where William of Normandy’s cavalry successfully defeated Harold’s Saxon forces, and finishing with the siege and capture of Constantinople (1453) by Sultan Mehmed II’s Turkish army, examples of every type of medieval warfare are featured. Each battle includes an introduction to the background, a concise description of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A specially commissioned, colour map illustrating the dispositions and movement of forces brings the subject to life and helps the reader to grasp – at a glance – the development of the battle. With more than 200 colour and black-and-white maps, artworks and photographs illustrating the battles, leading players and tactics of the era, Battles of the Medieval World provides an accessible introduction to some key battles of the medieval era.