Medieval Scandinavian armies
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Medieval Scandinavian armies
（Men-at-arms series, 396,
Osprey, 2003
- 1
- 2
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Note
1. 1100-1300 -- 2. 1300-1500
Description and Table of Contents
- Volume
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1 ISBN 9781841765051
Description
As the Viking Age gave way to the Middle Ages the development of Scandinavian armies showed special local characteristics, due both to the rough terrain and the relatively 'egalitarian' nature of society. Though Denmark's proximity to Germany led to the appearance there of a kind of feudal system and some heavy armoured cavalry, in Sweden and Norway there was fairly willing co-operation between the few nobles and the many free farmers. This book shows how armies were of local infantry levies raised by 'democratic' methods to defend home territory. It also details how the crossbow became very important along with ambush tactics and winter campaigning, employing the use of sledges and skis.
Table of Contents
Introduction - Chronology of major events - The passing of the Viking age - Denmark: German influence - the feudal system - the nobility, and heavy cavalry - Norway: trading centre but military backwater - Sweden: armies of the early Baltic campaigns - relations between the classes - Armour, weapons and tactics: the importance of the crossbow - Finland: a tribal frontier
- Volume
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2 ISBN 9781841765068
Description
This period saw profound changes, as Scandinavia became greatly influenced by military events and developments elsewhere in Europe. Most noticeably, plate armour began to take over from mail; and important evidence is provided by the remarkable 14th century battle grave finds at Wisby, where many corpses were tipped rapidly into mass graves still wearing their armour. This book examines the traces of wounds on the thousand-plus excavated skeletons offering unique insights into the realities of medieval hand-to-hand fighting. Later the increased use of Continental mercenaries introduced massed infantry tactics, especially in Denmark during the almost unceasing 'Union Wars' of the 15th century.
Table of Contents
Chronology of major wars - Scandinavian army organisation 1300-1500 - Influence of the Hanseatic German cities - Weapons - Armour: from mail to plate - the Wisby graves of 1361 analysed - Tactics - Fortifications and siege warfare
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