The Battle of Neville’s Cross (1346), according to the Lanercost Chronicle
The year 1346 is remembered in England mostly for the Battle of Crécy, where King Edward III defeated the French forces in one…
Training Royal Horses for Warfare: A Medieval Mastery
Their journey from colts to combat-ready mounts showcases the remarkable fusion of science, tradition, and skill in medieval horse training.
The Battle of Lewes (1264) – Bow & Blade, Episode 56
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons’ War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won.
How to Buy a Medieval Warhorse
Owning a warhorse was more than a necessity for medieval knights—it was a symbol of their status and a critical asset in battle. England’s warrior aristocracy had multiple avenues to secure these prized animals, ranging from bustling horse fairs to deals with foreign merchants and independent traders.
Call for Papers: 4th International Conference on the Military History of the Mediterranean Sea
The 4th International Conference on the Military History of the Mediterranean Sea will be held by Ibn Haldun University, University of Ioannina and Hellenic Historical Society in Ioannina, Greece, on 9-11 June 2025.
Did Christians and Muslims Join Forces in the First Crusade?
The First Crusade is often seen as a clash between Christians and Muslims for control of Jerusalem. Yet, the reality was far more complex, with alliances that crossed religious lines.
New Medieval Books: Edward Longshanks’ Forgotten Conflict
The Anglo-French war of 1294-1303, also known as the Gascon War, was Edward I’s main focus, driving England and France into fierce battles and alliances over Aquitaine. This book delves into the bloody confrontations of the conflict, including the pivotal Battle of the Golden Spurs.
New Medieval Books: The Book of the Deeds of the Good Knight Jacques de Lalaing
A translation of a 15th-century account of a young knight from Burgundy. Jacques de Lalaing was only 32 years old when he died, but he had already become quite famous for his success in tournaments as well as his military career.
The Challenges and Pitfalls of an ‘Authentic’ Medieval Wargame
The medieval period is a perennial favourite amongst the tabletop wargamer. Figure ranges in all scales, from the ubiquitous 28mm down to 6mm, are extensive, and new rulesets come out on a regular basis.
Hastings: An Unusual Battle
Hastings was unusual. It was unlike the vast majority of medieval battles (and, in fact, most ancient and early modern battles) in three major ways.
Obligation and Opportunity: Urban Military Service in Medieval England
This talk examines the development and use of urban soldiers in warfare in medieval England with a focus on military efficacy and strategy value.
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.