Why learn about the patterns of military technology and innovations?

With the Crusades surrounding what we often hear about as a bloody war, the material artefacts of military equipment allow us to recognise and shape our understanding on the mutual learning and adopting of each others military knowledge even throughout the Crusades. This section will go through some of the military differences and advancements, but also acknowledging the sharing of military knowledge which both Muslims and Christians took advantage of.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Use of defensive walls

One way in which it is evident of mutual learning through technology is the continuous use of defensive walls by both Muslims and Christians. Curtain walls hung out of forts and castles and were used to pass equipment or food to soldiers whose key role included protecting the space.

Arrow slits were also an innovation which gave a small angle for enemies to shoot bows and arrows through. Whilst the well thought out design meant it was arched inside, it created for those within the fort a larger, open space to target the opposing army, seen in both Christian and Muslim armies.

Finally, battering rams were key in defence. Compared to the previous two examples which were used as a shield, this method was a force for breaking down walls to weaken and get through to the other side.

Information taken from: https://www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com/education/military-innovations-crusades-period/

Aljun Castle in Jordan with a built-in arrow slit

Swords

 Swords were a typically used weapon during battles in history, especially the Crusades.

Templars used blade swords which were open and mainly used for violent attacks and cuts.

It is also important to keep in mind that the Christian army followed European models of warfare and carried heavy armour and cavalry, also with the addition of these metal swords.

On the other hand, the Muslims had witnessed the tactics of Christians and adapted it. Instead of the common swords, they used recurved swords [Unity Productions Foundation, ‘The Sultan and the Saint’: https://www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com/education/military-innovations-crusades-period/,]. Not only were they lighter to increase speed and withstand the hot climates, [Darren Wilhite, ‘Weaponry of the Crusades’: https://crusadingweapons.wordpress.com/muslimarms/] but the C shape also gave greater energy and power to every shot, making it more efficient for the Muslim army, eventually leading to their victory.

Image of a sword taken from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, read here to find out more.

Catapults and trebuchet

These military technologies were heavy and created to fire objects for huge destructions.

Trebuchets are made with a long arm to launch projectiles into the air by storing tension, so once fired, it impacts the surrounding area. [Medievalists.net, ‘Siege Engines during the Crusades’: https://www.medievalists.net/2019/10/siege-engines-during-the-crusades/]

It was used by both Muslims and Christians, once again reinforcing the mutual learning and cooperation with both sides sharing their military techniques.

 

Picture taken from the Metropolitan Museum of Art showing a catapult projectile from Montfort Castle

Historians’ perspectives on military uses

In The First Crusade: A New History (2004), British historian Thomas Asbridge agrees that Crusaders were indeed inspired by European battle styles of siege warfare. This technique included positioning a large quantity of troops in order to take over an area of interest or one with protected castles or forts. As a result of this, formation of castles were a key part of protection and maintaining control of the space  as these were one of the first places to target, as shown in the use of arrow slits above. In addition, it is important to recognise that whilst in modern day there are advanced military equipment like aircraft or missiles, during the medieval period, swords were the most used equipment. It was as such to the extent that Al Afdal, commander of the Ayyubid, sold his sword, proving the prestige given to swords, especially as they were often adorned with jewels and gold.

However, Caroline Hillenbrand, historian of Islamic history looks at the Crusades through an alternative lens. Firstly, in regards to military equipment, whilst swords and trebuchet are emphasised, in The Crusades: Islamic Perspective (1999), Hillenbrand found that Muslim armies focused on equestrian skills (p. 242) in order to increase efficiency whilst riding horses. So rather than just having tangible forms of shielding like castles, horses were key in acting as a driving force for strong attacks. Moreover, the author agrees that historical analysis proves the light armour technique by Muslims, with the use of lance, which were light but powerful due to its direct and sharp target (p. 451). Hillenbrand argues that Muslims fought in the Crusades with a religious drive. As it was a holy war, it was not the desire for land or power, but to be honoured in the eyes of God (p.103). It was seen that the success of jihad- the struggle against evil, demonstrated the success of the faith of a believer.

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Bibliography

Asbridge, Thomas, Simon & Schuster UK (eds.),  The First Crusades: A New History (Oxford, 2012).

Hillenbrand, Carole, Fitzborn Dearborn Publishers (eds.), The Crusades: Islamic Perspectives (Chicago, 1999).

‘Siege Engines during the Crusades’, Medievalists.net at https://www.medievalists.net/2019/10/siege-engines-during-the-crusades.

‘Military Innovations of the Crusades Period’, The Sultan and the Saint at https://www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com/education/military-innovations-crusades-period.

Wilhite, Darren, ‘Weaponry of the Crusades’ (2018) at https://crusadingweapons.wordpress.com/muslimarms.