Women of The Civil War: Wives and Sisters Who Joined the Battlefield Fights Dressed As Men
The Civil War is famed for its brutal battles, its men slain on fields throughout the eastern half of the United States. It’s also a…
Toulon and the Whiff of Grapeshot: Napoleon’s First Successes
As Emperor of the French, Napoleon Bonaparte would conquer half of Europe and leave the rest trembling in terror at his approach. But the rise…
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…
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…
12 Battles That Defined the Crusades
The Crusades, Christian Europe’s attempt to drive back other nations and religions, were among the most ambitious and badly thought out campaigns in military history.…
5 Rules of Chivalry and How They Were Broken
In the Middle Ages, chivalry was more than just a name for polite behaviour. It was a set of rules meant to limit the actions…
Jack Hinson: A Civil War Sniper Hell Bent on Revenge
John W. “Jack” Hinson, better known as “Old Jack” to his family, was a prosperous farmer in Stewart County, Tennessee. A non-political man, he opposed…
7 Ways to Win a Medieval Siege
Castles and fortified towns were central to medieval warfare. Their strong defensive walls allowed small numbers of defenders to hold out against much larger forces.…