How The Middle Ages Affected European Warfare

Words: 1085
Pages: 5

The fall of the Western Roman Empire created a vast number of kingdoms that were eventually unified into multiple states which became centers of western civilization. The technology of the Middle Ages greatly affected European warfare by allowing states to find new ways to defeat their enemies and implement countermeasures to existing technologies during the time period. This allowed European powers to improve to their armies, defense structures, and siege capabilities to gain the upper hand in battles. Winning important battles gave the kings of Europe the power and resources to dominate the region.

Soldiers of the Middle Ages were the manpower need to succeed in battle. Having an army of soldiers equipped with the best gear would give one the advantage. However, providing the best armor and weapons was not cheap. Kings and lords would offer equipment to their vassals and knights. According to the article Carolingian Arms and Armor in the
…show more content…
The siege was won once the garrison was slaughtered or surrendered. Supply trains were used to supply large sieging armies, while small armies foraged or stole supplies from the area. Failure to feed one’s army led to famine and disease eventually leading to the end of the campaign.

In conclusion, European warfare in the Middle Ages was shaped by the use of the era’s technology, which improved their armies, defensive structures, and siege capabilities. Soldiers loyal to their kings and equipped with the best gear, fought each other in the open field or behind fortified cities to spread influence over Europe. Battles in this time period decided the fate of a kingdom and affected their citizens. These actions shaped Western civilization and the nations that would rise after the Middle