The Middle Ages was an era in European history with expansive military objectives and engagements between states. Warfare in the Middle Ages was geographically and culturally expansive and varied greatly across dynasties and empires, yet certain customs, practices, and trends characterized it. From the rise of the earliest city-states to the waning of feudalism, this period in history saw the invention of tactics, the introduction of heavy armor and infantry, the rise of chivalry, and the advent of the Crusades. War in the Middle Ages was characterized by an emphasis on honor and fame, as well as a respect for the dead.
The Origins of War in the Middle Ages
From the early days of the Middle Ages, war assumed a form that would define the entire era. The early Middle Ages saw the emergence of the city-states, and their citizens engaging in warfare to protect their landowners, control their territory, and expand their political power. War during this period began to feature the growth of cavalry, the formation of smaller infantry units, and the development of increasingly complex siege techniques. The advent of fortification and increased use of artillery also marked this period in history.
The Rise of Feudalism
The 9th and 10th centuries saw the rise of feudalism and its impact on the way war was conducted. Feudal lords would use war as a means of acquiring land, and the hold of their respective monarchs was further reinforced through warfare. Knightly orders, like the Knights of St. John, the Knights Templar, and the Brothers of the Sword, became more popular and powerful, and their members were highly valued for their military prowess and loyalty. Chivalry was also on the rise, and a code of honor developed around it.
Chivalry and Honor in the Middle Ages
Chivalry was a code of conduct that developed in the Middle Ages, closely tied to notions of loyalty, courage, and honor. Knights in particular took very seriously the code of chivalry and the concept of honor in their pursuit of battle. Knights in battle would strive to protect the weak and uphold justice, and warfare became less an opportunity for pillaging and more a means of pursuit of glory and fame.
The Crusades
The 11th century saw the start of the Crusades, a period of intense warfare with religious and geopolitical objectives. The Crusades were driven by a desire to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims, and to protect Christian pilgrims bound for the city of Jerusalem. The Crusades saw a massive mobilization of resources and men, and an unprecedented level of violence and destruction. The Crusades in particular also developed the concept of a “just war,” with recognized rules and codes of conduct meant to ensure hostilities were kept within certain boundaries.
The Rise of the State
As the Middle Ages progressed, the concept of the state and the nation-state developed. This shift had a major impact on the way war was conducted, and the idea of unity and nationalism began to be seen as the primary source of power in warfare. This led to the emergence of larger-scale campaigns and armies, and to a greater emphasis on government and monarchs in regards to warfare. The development of military science and mechanics, increasingly advanced siege tactics, and increasingly specialized warfare also flourished during this period.
The Middle Ages was an era of intense warfare, with battles fought on a geographically and culturally broad scale. From the early days of city-states to the rise of feudalism, from the knightly orders to the Crusades, from the development of chivalry to the rise of the state, the Middle Ages was an era of intense military engagement and development. War during this period was characterized by a deep respect for honor and justice, as well as a nexus of religious, political, and strategic goals. The wars of the Middle Ages thus represented an important and influential period in the development of warfare, with lasting effects that are still visible today.
