January 7, 2022 at 8:54 am

This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

by twistedsifter

A Tumblr thread breaks down a few of the more powerful, surprising, and downright fierce Medieval battle tactics that existed.

Here’s one example that gives you an idea of how tough it would be for anyone trying to attack by going up the stairs:

effect by having wide open space those ascending castle tower staircases tended look like this This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Once noble families started living in castles as their homes (instead of, say, a fortress), wider staircases came into fashion.

It turns out the advent of gunpowder was a pretty big gamechanger for castle interior design.

The placement of walls was also entirely strategic.

attackers isnt usually something think about studying historical wars but strategically pla This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

The strategic placement of walls is seen all over the world. On the East Coast in what is now the United States, homes and property were usually protected with palisades or wooden fences.

attackers and give an advantage defender heres some gates with some examples lm talking about This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

labrynthine screened titulum inset outset bastioned barbican chambered chambered with guard rooms This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Basically, it comes down to one fairly universal truth: it’s pretty challenging to defend yourself if there’s a wall in your way, right?

hey s hard swing weapon with wall on right hand side and then specifically built fortificatio This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Castles also used to have another form of protection. For example, the  Bodiam Castle in Sussex has a right-angled bridge to further endanger attacking forces.

tower on their right side ie sword right hand shield on useless left side e barbican 2 gatchouse This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Since most people were right-handed, the tactic was definitely effective.

Being right-handed was also beneficial (if not all but required) when using a sword and shield.

or housecarl simply couldnt fight as part phalanx or shield wall since shields were mutual defenc This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

The same is true of jousting: if you’re left-handed, it just wasn’t going to work out.

unique consequently left handed knights were physically unable joust fig 13 jousters run together This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

This was so entrenched in Medieval warfare and the like that even the horses were trained to swerve to the right.

plate armour whether specialised tournament kit or less elaborate battle gear is noticeably ri This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Right-handed preference extended well into our recent past as well.

styles basket hilt broadsword are assymetrical and constructed right handers heres my schiavona 1 This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

shoe This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

While it is technically possible to hold the instrument in your left hand, you need to be right-handed to properly wield it.

Eventually, some left-handed families started redesigning their castles to benefit themselves.

predominantly left handed families did turn their handedness into advantage among them kerrs c This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

This was probably pretty confusing for anyone who expected the usual design!

retreating up spiral had pillar guarding his right side while attacker had reach out around This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

twistedsifter on facebook This Online Thread Discusses How Fierce Medieval Battle Tactics Really Were