Medieval World: Culture & Conflict

in 1342, the Siege of Algeciras kicked off when Castile besieged this strategic southern port as part of the Reconquista. The city surrendered almost two years later. MW V.4 was all about Islamic Iberia before the Reconquista: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-v-4?_pos=1&_sid=fcc6d2683&_ss=r

The centerfold: Marek Szyszko’s depiction of the death of King Arthur at the hands of his treacherous son Mordred, based on Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory. If you want to learn more about the medieval stories about King Arthur, check out MW X.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-x-1

Did you know we're now offering the Medieval Mystery Bundle? For a reduced price, you'll get 5 random print issues of Medieval Warfare and Medieval World: Culture & Conflict. Don't miss out on this deal! Visit our website for more information: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-mystery-bundle

When medieval Christians took to the battlefield, they expected to be protected by a range of ‘warrior saints’ – men who had been soldiers in life, and were martyred because of their faith. Read the full article on warrior saints in MW VIII.3: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-3

Medieval Myths and Legends - a new blog post at Medieval World https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/blogs/medieval-world-blog/medieval-myths-and-legends?utm_source=spf&utm_campaign=blogs&utm_content=medieval-myths-and-legends&utm_medium=fb&utm_term=mwm

The Spanish mixed infantry of the Santa Hermandad consisted of pikemen and crossbowmen, reinforced by "espingarderos" (a primitive arquebus or handgun). This effective formation was to develop into the famous Spanish tercio, which was regularly used in military encounters by the Catholic monarchs of Spain. By the seventeenth century, it was in broad use by other European powers as well.
© Marek Szyszko
https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/.../medieval-world-13

MWCC.13 looks at how late medieval Spain became a world power under the rule of its Catholic monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon.
https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/.../medieval-world-13

in 1419, a group of Hussites marched into Prague's town hall and threw members of the town council out of a window, leading to their deaths. This event, known as the First Defenestration of Prague, led to the outbreak of the Hussite Wars.

As the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople had to endure many attacks, sieges, and invasions. MW VIII.5 looked at early Arab assaults on Byzantium by the Umayyad Caliphate, conflicts that would test the Roman’s resolve and perseverance: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-5

The centerfold: At the ancient meeting point of Egbert’s Stone, King Alfred of Wessex musters the men of various regions and prepares them for battle against the Great Heathen Army. More about Alfred the Great versus the Danes in MW III.5: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-iii-5-2013

On the cover: Charlemagne, King of the Franks, plans another military campaign. Judging from his silver hair, this takes place around 800, around the time he was elevated to the rank of Emperor. More about the campaigns of Charlemagne in MW V.2: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-v-2

in 864, the Edict of Pîtres was issued by Charles the Bald of West Francia. It put in place various measures to combat the constant Viking raids in West Francia, including the creation of a cavalry force. More about the Vikings in MW VII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-vii-7?_pos=11&_sid=81260cd72&_ss=r&_fid=802404a99

in 1148, the Siege of Damascus began when Crusader forces, including the Knights Templar, attempted to capture the city. However, the siege ended in failure, leading to a retreat within days. All about the wars for the Holy Land in our bundle: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/the-crusades-bundle?_pos=1&_psq=crusade&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Charlemagne was one of the greatest military commanders in European history, defeating many enemies and conquering great territories during his reign. But who were the men who made this possible – the Carolingian soldiers? MW V.2 has the answer: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-v-2

Also in MW VIII.1: Sieges were one of the most common warfare tactics in the Middle Ages. Starving out a city’s population may have seemed smart, but a prolonged siege held downsides for the attackers as well. Read all about it in MW VIII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

On 11 March 1387, mercenary captain John Hawkwood fought what would become his greatest battle: the Battle of Castagnaro. Through clever strategies, he achieved victory for his employer, the lord of Padua. Full article in MW VIII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

Coming soon: Medieval World 13 (pre-order) ! https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-world-13?utm_source=spf&utm_campaign=nwprod&utm_content=Medieval%20World%2013%20(pre-order)&utm_medium=fb&utm_term=mwm

14th-century Italy was a time of mercenaries such as John Hawkwood. These soldiers-for-hire did not exactly have the best reputation: they were known in particular for treachery and disloyalty. So why did cities hire them? Find out in MW VIII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

The life of a condottiere in 14th-century Italy was filled with bloodshed. This was also true for John Hawkwood, who became infamous for overseeing the slaughter of civilians in 1376 and 1377. Read about the massacres of Faenza & Cesena in MW VIII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

In case you missed it: Medieval Feast of the Suckling Pig: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/blogs/medieval-world-blog/medieval-feast-of-the-suckling-pig?utm_source=spf&utm_campaign=blogs&utm_content=medieval-feast-of-the-suckling-pig&utm_medium=fb&utm_term=mwm

In the 14th century, conflicts plagued Italy. This provided fertile ground for the condottieri, men who led mercenary companies in service to the highest bidder. John Hawkwood was one of them. Read about his life and exploits in MW VIII.1: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

Author Spotlight: Tim Miller - a new blog post at Medieval World https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/blogs/medieval-world-blog/author-spotlight-tim-miller?utm_source=spf&utm_campaign=blogs&utm_content=author-spotlight-tim-miller&utm_medium=fb&utm_term=mwm

Back issue spotlight: This week, we’ll be taking a look at issue VIII.1 of Medieval Warfare Magazine. In this issue, we explored the life and world of John Hawkwood, a famous condottiere (mercenary leader) in 14th-century Italy. Get your copy here: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-viii-1

The centerfold: A group of Lotharingian cavalry led by Conrad the Red (red cloak) clash with a force of Magyar horsemen. In the background, one warrior uses the Magyars’ signature weapon: the composite bow. More about the fearsome Magyars in MW II.4: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-ii-4-2012

in 1191, the Siege of Acre ended after almost 2 years. It had been held by Muslim forces since 1187, but now they lost it to the Crusaders under Guy of Lusignan, which was a serious blow to Saladin's ambitions. More on the siege in MW X.6: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-x-6?_pos=1&_sid=ada529b6e&_ss=r

in 1302, the Battle of the Golden Spurs was fought between the Country of Flanders and the French crown. The Flemish militia's infantry triumphed, and the famous victory was marked by 11 July - the official holiday of the Flemish Community.

When the Vikings came to raid your village, there were two fates you would want to avoid. Those who did not meet their end beneath an axe risked being captured, enslaved, and taken to Scandinavia, or beyond. More about Viking captives in MW X.4: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-x-4