Gunpowder And Engineering

Question 1

St Barbara

Answer 1

Patron of gunners, engineers and miners

Question 2

Gunpowder (black powder)

Answer 2

An explosive mix of sulphur, saltpetre and charcoal
9th century china
13th century Europe
Used in guns since the 14th century

Question 3

Problems

Answer 3

Fortresses - how to protect them
Siege - How does one take a fortress
Decisiveness

Question 4

Debate

Answer 4

Hariri- sieges underrepresented

Ostwald - vigor vs. Efficiency

Question 5

Hypothesis

Answer 5

Fortresses become thicker and lower
Sieges - digging and shelling
Sieges are very important

Question 6

Why fortification?

Answer 6

Increases power of defender
Reduces the need for garrison
However, they are immobile

Question 7

Evolution of castle architecture

Answer 7

Gallic hilltop fortification - tyranny o terrain

Roman castle - tyranny of geometry

Question 8

Problem of blind spot and defence

Answer 8

Second line of defence
Staggering
Towers covering blind spots

Question 9

Artillery

Answer 9

Dual purpose arm - vital for sieges and increasingly since 18th century in battles

Question 10

Problem of firepower

Answer 10

Heavy siege artillery

Response - fortifications are lower and thicker

Question 11

Fortress and ideal city - Palmanova

Answer 11

Venetian fortress

Designed as an ideal Renaissance city

Question 12

Three ways of taking a fortress

Answer 12

Rush the fortress and take it by surprise
Starve the defenders into negotiated surrender
Sap forward, blow a breach and then storm

Question 13

Conclusion

Answer 13

Fortresses from trace italienne to star fort - increasing distance
Siege - three stages - digging, shelling and starving
Sieges were very important