Smashing the Bridge between Roman and Medieval Artillery: The Onager
This paper will attempt to uncover some information about the technological level of artillery used during the decline of the Roman empire and the beginning of the middle ages (300 AD – 600 AD). Although several types of artillery were used during this time, only the onager seems to have been unique to the period.
The medieval crossbow as surgical instrument: an illustrated case history
The crossbow could be carried loaded,required little training or strength,and propelled its quarrel or bolt with frightening accuracy and force for eighty yards on direct aim and double or triple that on extreme range.
Early Medieval Lead Processing in the Slavic Territories and the Possible Mention of Trade in Lead by Ibrāhīm Ibn Ya’Qūb
The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the beginnings of lead processing in the Early Middle Age, based on the latest archaeological information.
The Flemish Evidence for the Gender of Weavers and the Boat Shuttle
Professor Berman’s paper details a story about changes in weaving found in the Gesta abbatum Trudonsium…
Anglo-Saxon Ironwork
The aim of this paper is to describe the principal products (including arrowheads, but excluding other weapons) of the blacksmith in the Middle and Late Anglo-Saxon periods…
The role of the monasteries in the development of medieval milling
The role of the monasteries in the development of medieval milling By Adam Lucas Wind and Water in the Middle Ages: Fluid Technologies…
Digging Ditches in Early Medieval Europe
Digging Ditches in Early Medieval Europe By Paolo Squatriti Past and Present, Vol.176:1 (2002) Introduction: In the Royal Frankish Annals the year 793…
Narratives of Technological Revolution in the Middle Ages
Narratives of Technological Revolution in the Middle Ages By Adam Lucas Handbook of Medieval Studies: Terms, Methods, Trends, Vol. 2, edited by Albrecht…
Some Aspects of the Metallurgy and Production of European Armor
Some Aspects of the Metallurgy and Production of European Armor By Craig Johnson Armored Proceedings Symposium (1999) Introduction: The metallurgical study of armour and…
A Multidisciplinary Investigation of Medieval Flamethrowers: A Case Study
Warfare in the Byzantine Empire between the 7th and 11th centuries CE saw the development of weapons systems using fire.
Lesson Plans: Trebuchets
Turning and Flinging: Simple Machines in the Classroom By Jarred Araujo, Jenna Hiller and Andrew Hyde Paper published online by Western Michigan University (2006)…
Oil-based printing ink on paper: Bleeding, browning, blanching and peroxides
sOil-based printing ink on paper: Bleeding, browning, blanching and peroxides By Ad Stijnman Papier Restaurierung Vol. 1 (2000) Abstract: Printing with oil-based ink…
What is the History of Medieval Optics Really About?
The transition from medieval to modern optics was evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Genoese trade networks in the southern Iberian peninsula: trade, transmission of technical knowledge and economic interactions
Genoese trade networks in the southern Iberian peninsula: trade, transmission of technical knowledgeand economic interactions Porras, Alberto Garcıa and Garcıa, Adela Fabregas (Departamento de Historia Medieval…
The Means of Agricultural Production: Muscle and Tools
The Means of Agricultural Production: Muscle and Tools Bryer, Anthony The Economic History of Byzantium: From the Seventh through the Fifteenth Century, Dumbarton Oaks Research…
Trebuchet – A Gravity-Operated Siege Engine: A Study in Experimental Archaeology
Trebuchet – A Gravity-Operated Siege Engine: A Study in Experimental Archaeology By Tanel Saimre Estonian Journal of Archaeology, Vol.10:1 (2006) Abstract: The most…
The weight of medieval armour could cause defeat in battle, new research finds
Suits of armour may have made medieval soldiers feel safe, but modern scientists have found that they were so heavy and constricting they…
Arab Papermaking
Arab Papermaking By Don Baker The Paper Conservator, Vol.15 (1991) Introduction: Western descriptions of Arab papermaking contain much that appears to be conjecture.…
A Building Site in Early Sixteenth-Century Normandy: The Castle of Gaillon, Organization, Workers, Materials and Technologies
The castle of Gaillon, built in Normandy between 1498 and 1510 for cardinal Georges I d’Amboise, has been considered one of the first and most significant achievements of the early French Renaissance.
The manufacture of chain-mail
The Romans adopted shirts of mail and they were subsequently used throughout the Middle Ages most often in the 12th and 13th centuries but small pieces of mail were used right up until the 17th century as a part of armor.
The medieval blacksmith and his products
The medieval blacksmith and his products By Ian H. Goodall Medieval Industry, edited by D.W. Crossley (London: Council for British Archaeology, 1981) Introduction:…