c1250-c1500 - Composition Of Armies Flashcards
Who were Infantry?
- they were peasants and were at the bottom of the social hierachy and treated poorly compared to other soldiers.
- they wore Skull caps and leather jackets for protection
- their job was To hold the enemy attack and defeat the enemy infantry
Who were mounted knights?
- Gentry and nobility who fought on horseback and were superior in status to other types of soldier
- They had swords and lances and were protected with helmets and chainmail
How many soldiers did armies have?
5000 - 10,000. Usually there were twice as much infantry than mounted knights
What was the mounted knights role on the battlefield?
they weakened the enemy in the first round of attack by using:
-the mounted charge, (charging through enemy lines to reach and kill the commander)
-the rout and chase, (used to scatter enemy infantry and attack them once they were dispersed)
What were tactics of infantry in 1250-1500
- the shield wall - Men stood, overlapping shields and spears or pikes, to hold enemy attacks
- the mêlée - If the archers and cavalry could not break the enemy, the infantry engaged in hand to hand fighting with swords, pikes and daggers
Who were archers and what was their role?
- Infantry who used bows or crossbows
- Worked with mounted knights to break down the enemy at the beginning of battle
What was the feudal system?
It organised society into groups based on peoples roles. Land was granted in return for service to the lord. Those serving in battle would provide their own equiptment and provisions
What happened when the feudal system broke down?
It became difficult to persuade people to fight, kings paid soldiers to fight for them. They were called ‘mercenaries’
Why was warfare used?
Used by kings and lords to protect their power and take power from other kings and lords
Why did quality of leadership vary?
A persons combat experience or skills were less important than social status in feudal system
