Key Events and Figures in Medieval Warfare

Fall of Rome

Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD.

Odoacer

Germanic chieftain who deposed Romulus Augustulus.

1st Crusade

Captured Jerusalem from Muslim control (1096-1099).

2nd Crusade

Failed to reclaim lost territories (1147-1149).

3rd Crusade

Ended with truce between Richard and Saladin (1189-1192).

Ancient Fortifications

Structures like walls and castles for defense.

Chain Mail

Armor made of interlocking metal rings.

Weapon System Matrix

Framework for understanding weapons and tactics.

Huns

Nomadic warriors from Central Asia, led by Attila.

Re-curve Bow

Powerful bow used by nomadic warriors.

Hit and Run Tactics

Quick strikes followed by rapid retreats.

Rise of Cavalry

Mounted warriors became dominant due to stirrups.

Bayeux Tapestry

Embroidery depicting Norman conquest events in 1066.

Slashing Swords

Broad swords designed for cutting attacks.

Franks

Germanic tribe that established the Carolingian Empire.

Vandals

Sacked Rome in 455 AD, settled in North Africa.

House Carls

Elite soldiers serving Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon kings.

Ballistas

Siege weapons launching heavy projectiles.

Siege Tactics

Strategies for attacking fortified positions.

Long Ship

Fast Viking ship for warfare and exploration.

Plate Armor

Full-body metal armor for superior protection.

Muslims

Followers of Islam influential in the Crusades.

Boar Formation

Wedge-shaped formation used by Viking warriors.

Saxons

Germanic people who established kingdoms in Britain.

Trebuchet

Siege weapon using counterweight to hurl projectiles.

Stirrup

Innovation allowing better rider control on horseback.

Shield Wall

Formation of interlocked shields for defense.

Feint

Deceptive maneuver to mislead opponents.

Normans

Descendants of Vikings who conquered England in 1066.

Byzantines

Eastern Roman Empire known for military strength.

Aleric

Visigoth leader who sacked Rome in 410 AD.

Frediger

Frankish chronicler of the Merovingian dynasty.

Valens

Eastern Roman Emperor defeated at Adrianople.

Constantine

Emperor who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople.

Charles Martel

Frankish leader who halted Muslim advance at Tours.

Harold Hardrada

Norwegian king defeated at Stamford Bridge in 1066.

Innocent III

Powerful pope influential in Crusades and politics.

Edward the Confessor

Anglo-Saxon king whose death led to conquest.

Saladin

Sultan who recaptured Jerusalem in 1187.

Richard III

King known for defeat at Bosworth in 1485.

Urban II

Pope who initiated the First Crusade in 1095.

William the Conqueror

Duke who won Hastings and became King of England.

Chalons (451 AD)

Battle halting Huns' advance into Gaul.

Adrianople (378 AD)

Goths defeated Eastern Roman Empire, leading to decline.

Poitiers/Tours (732 AD)

Franks stopped Muslim advance into Western Europe.

Hastings (1066 AD)

Normans defeated Anglo-Saxons, leading to conquest.

Manzikert (1071 AD)

Turks defeated Byzantines, marking their decline.

Stamford Bridge (1066 AD)

English victory over Norwegians before Hastings.

Lindisfarne (793 AD)

Viking raid marking start of Viking Age.

Siege of Jerusalem (1099 AD)

Crusaders captured city during First Crusade.

Arsuf (1191 AD)

Richard the Lionheart secured victory in Third Crusade.