Get Medieval Warfare Vol III-1 - A Medieval Cold War in Spain

Medieval Warfare III.1, 2013

Topic: A medieval Cold War in Spain: The War of the Two Peters

Introduction: Owen Rees, 'The War of the Two Peters'.

If Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries was a theater of war, then France and England were the main protagonists; they had the best lines and the most stage time. Other states played only a small part in the Anglo-French dialogue that still fills medieval history books today. This has led us to ignore the background, the mixed-in 'extras' who built the atmosphere and allowed the light to shine so brightly on the two starring roles. In this issue, we will be firmly fixed on the outer wing of the stage, the dark corner that our actors enter only infrequently; but, when they do, the whole stage explodes with activity. We turned our eyes to the Iberian Peninsula, and we had very little knowledge about it. And yet, one of the most famous medieval battles took place within the framework of this war.

Topic: Alberto Raúl Esteban Ribas, 'naval war in the kingdom of Aragon - les ordinacions sobre lo fet de la mar'.


The Ordinances of the Fleets of the Crown of Aragon are a collection of public regulations drafted during the reign of Peter IV of Aragon (Peter III of Catalonia), around the middle of the 14th century. The core of this regulatory body is the Ordinances on the Matter of the Sea, written in 1354 by Bernat de Cabrera II, Admiral of the Fleet. These regulations focused on describing command ranks, weapons, and personnel, in an aggressive military doctrine.

Topic: Gareth Williams, 'Siege Warfare in the Fourteenth Century: By Fair Way or By Bad'.

Illustrated by Carlos García.

During the first part of his reign and during the wars with Aragon (1356-63), Peter I of Castile was determined to undertake a series of victories. Many were successful, resulting in the capture of several fortresses. How was this achieved? What conventions were observed during a medieval siege in the 14th century, and what equipment was available?

Subject: Arnold Blumberg, 'Cascaded Warriors of Medieval Spain - The Horsemen'.

Illustrated by Pablo Outeiral.

From 722 to 1492, during what history calls the Reconquista (or 'recapture'), several Christian kingdoms waged a relentless war to reconquer the Iberian Peninsula from the Islamic kingdoms established there, collectively known as Al Andalus. The balance of power shifted between the warring participants in bewildering ways. By the mid-13th century, the strategic advantage (and half the peninsula) was in the hands of the emerging Christian kingdoms. One of the reasons for their ultimate success during the tumultuous period of the Reconquista was the employment of Spanish light cavalry, the jinetes, who performed multiple roles on and off the war-torn battlefields of medieval Spain and Portugal.

Subject: Stephen Bennett, 'A Calamitous Victory for the Plantagenet Cause - The Black Prince in Spain'.

Illustrated by José Antonio Gutiérrez López and Jason Juta.

Although it represented a major battlefield victory for Edward, Prince of Wales (later known as the Black Prince), the 1367 campaign that ended with the Battle of Najera was to have far-reaching and damaging strategic consequences for England, including the return of Castile and its powerful navy to the Valois cause, the loss of Aquitaine, and the disintegration of the Grande Companye (Great Company). On a tactical level, it is a prime example of an early medieval English army on the attack, including the use of longbowmen in offense, as well as a demonstration of the Black Prince's tactical brilliance.

Subject: nils visser, 'the iberian campaigns of bertrand du guesclin - face of a demon, heart of a hero'.

Illustrated by José Daniel Cabrera Peña.

The Castilian Civil War ended on March 23, 1369, at the gates of the castle of Montiel. Like many events that occurred in Western Europe at that time, this was part of the geopolitical consequences of the Hundred Years' War. The death of Peter the Cruel (Peter I of Castile) on that date offers us a dramatic panorama of rivalry and betrayal, but it would also have a profound influence on the subsequent course of the war in general. Furthermore, it was another milestone in the career of one of the most colorful participants in this war, a Breton of humble origins, who would rise to the position of Constable of France, second-in-command to the King of France: Bertrand du Guesclin, the 'Black Dog of Brocéliande', the 'Eagle of Brittany' and the scourge of the English.

Characteristics

The siege: martin mi?o, 'inside a siege camp - the siege of Cabrad Castle'.

Illustrated by Rocío Espín.

In 1462, the banner of "the brothers" flew over a castle located on a cliff overlooking a large bend in a river, winding through a canyon carved deep into the surrounding plateau. Atop the ridge linking the castle cliff to the rest of the plateau, a stockade had been built under the banner of the Black Army and the flag of the royal house of Hungary. King Matthew of Hungary had set up a siege camp at Abra Castle (Tshabrag) to ensure free passage on this part of the important route.

The Revolt: Mike Ingram, 'England's Forgotten Battles: The Dark Side of Blackheath'.

Illustrated by Darren Tan.

Blackheath is an area of ​​open high ground just outside the City of London, located between the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham. However, in medieval times, it was more than four miles to the southeast, and from its heights one could look down on London Bridge and the City itself. Across it, the Romans built Watling Street (now the A2), their road from Dover to London. It was the meeting place of the ancient hundreds of Blachehedfeld, whose name means the dark-colored heathland. It became a favorite spot for London mayors to greet triumphant kings, such as Henry V after the Agincourt Campaign, and for royalty to greet visitors to the country. Its strategic importance was also quickly understood, and Blackheath became the focus and rallying point for many of the battles and rebellions in the City's turbulent history, beginning with the Danes in 1013.

Special: Brian Burfield, 'The Vikings in North America: Sagas, Swords, and Skraelings.'

Illustrated by Johnny Shumate.

A curious passage from the Graenlendinga Saga mentions a battle between Viking warriors, led by Thorfinn Karlsefni, and a people called the Skraelings. It took place sometime around the year 1000. It wasn't a conflict with a traditional Norse enemy, nor was it fought in known Viking territory, but rather a confrontation with Native Americans in a new and unknown land. At Medieval Shop , we have thousands of medieval and other period products. Discover them!