5 Ideologies That Have Inspired Soldiers
Warriors need a reason to fight. Sometimes self-interest is enough, men and women fighting for pay or self-defence. But more often than not, ideology plays…
5 Wars in Which Drugs Fuelled the Fighting
Drugs have a long history as part of war. These days, their main role is a medicinal one, but down the centuries they have often…
The Battle for Tarawa – 76 Hours of HELL – November 20th 1943
The Battle of Tarawa was one of the more terrible American experiences in the Pacific theatre of World War Two. It was one that…
The Battle of Megiddo: The Beginning of Military History
The first battle for which we have a clear historical record took place in the Levant in the 15th century BC. Though we know that…
3 Key Artillery Techniques of the First World War
One of the great revelations of the First World War was the vast destructive power of artillery. Never before had so many guns of such…
How English Invaders Transformed Medieval Irish Warfare
In 1167, Diarmait Mac Murchada brought English mercenary troops to Ireland. He had lost the kingship of Leinster and Uí Chennselaig during a struggle for…
A New Breed of Soldier: How the French Revolution Made Napoleon’s Career Possible
Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power marked the death knell of the French Revolution. His autocratic government ended the attempts at increased democracy that had shaken…
Wargames From Medieval Tournaments
The heart of the high medieval army was its knights and men-at-arms, heavily armoured soldiers from wealthy backgrounds who often fought from horseback. Using lances…
7 Ways English Lords Fought Against Welsh Raiders
Throughout the 13th century, there was conflict in the border region between England and Wales. This area, known as the Welsh March, contained both English…
6 Great Aviators of the First World War
The First World War saw the birth of aerial combat. Initially used to provide reconnaissance for ground forces, biplanes soon started fighting each other above…
11 Facts You Never Knew About Medieval Warhorses
The warhorse was a vital part of the European medieval military machine. Cavalry charges by heavily armoured knights made horseback attacks a terrifying part of…
Criminal Careers Born From a Single Battle – Is One the Real Robin Hood
On 16 March 1322 a rebellion against King Edward II of England was crushed at the Battle Boroughbridge. Many rebel leaders, including the Earl of…