Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth CenturyClarendon Press, Jun 26, 1997 - 304 pages This is a carefully researched and illuminating study of siege warfare in the twelfth century. The siege was an integral part of medieval military experience, and was particularly significant in the Mediterranean region. Dr Rogers explores siege warfare and the role it played in the First Crusade and the establishment of the Crusader States, in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and in the seaborne expeditions of the Italian maritime states. Dr Rogers sets out to discover how it was that crusading forces handicapped by rudimentary organisation and logistical support were able to conduct some of the most dramatic siege operations of the pre-gunpowder period. He traces the development and diffusion of techniques; and analyses the experience of siege warfare in every aspect, from the question of supplies of component parts for siege engines to the often complex political situations of besieger and besieged. This is a book which contributes not only to the military history of the twelfth century but also to its political and cultural history. `excellent work, written by a scholar who has a thorough grasp of the subject and who presents it in a lucid manner.' Speculum `an excellent work ... a fine study, full of intriguing ideas for readers interested in crusading, municipalities, and the role of warfare.' The Historian `Rogers's book is an excellent look at the medieval world's most bellicose century.' American Historical Review |
Contents
10 | |
THE CAPTURE OF THE PALESTINIAN COAST AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRUSADER SIEGE TECHNIQUE | 64 |
SIEGE OPERATIONS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NORMAN AUTHORITY IN ITALY AND SICILY | 91 |
CITIES AND SIEGE WARFARE LOMBARDY IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY | 124 |
SIEGE WARFARE IN THE IBERIAN RECONQUISTA | 154 |
SEABORNE SIEGE WARFARE THE ITALIAN MARITIME STATES AND LATIN EXPANSION | 193 |
TOWARDS CONCLUSIONS | 237 |
Appendix I Evidence for Crusader Siege Towers 10991169 | 249 |
General Descriptions and Terms | 251 |
Appendix III The Problem of Artillery | 254 |
274 | |
289 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Acre Acre's Albert of Aachen Alexander of Telese Alfonso VII Almoravid Ambroise Antioch armoured roofs artillery piece assault attack Barbarossa's beam besiegers Bohemond's bridge built Byzantine Caffaro campaign capture Christian Chron city's clear close blockade contingents counterweight Crema crews crusader siege defenders developed devices employed expedition Falco of Benevento Fatimid forces fortifications garrison Genoese Gesta Franc Gesta Francorum Ibid imperial important incendiaries involved Italian maritime Jerusalem Kohler labour Latin siege lever artillery Lombard Mahdia major materials medieval Mediterranean Milan military Moreover Muslim naval Nicea Norman northern offensive Otto of Morena Outremer personnel Peter Tudebode Pisan poliorcetics positions Prawer Raymond of Aguilers Raymond of St Roger IPs Roger of Howden role Romuald of Salerno Saladin ships siege machinery siege operations siege technique siege tower siege warfare sources southern St Gilles surrender tions torsion artillery troops twelfth century walls weapons William of Tyre