Medieval Warfare Vol V.2 - Carolus Magnus

Delight yourself with Medieval Warfare Vol V.2 - Carolus Magnus

Medieval Warfare Vol. 2 - Carolus Magnus: Frankish Heir of Ancient Rome

The second issue of the year is one for which we selected the theme ourselves. That doesn’t mean it’s one of those less popular themes that we sometimes choose because we feel it’s time to do so. In fact, we decided simply to choose a theme that we were sure would be well received: Charlemagne has inspired many groups and individuals throughout history. As the first accepted emperor in Western Europe following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Charles the Great managed to unify an area that had been fractured and divided for centuries. His reign proved to be an example for his successors. The Ottonians revived the title of emperor and thus created the Holy Roman Empire, while the Western Frankish Empire would form the basis of what would later become France. Perhaps equally important was Charlemagne’s role for Christianity, as he managed to spread the religion into previously pagan territories, while his Carolingians further promoted art, culture, and intellectual and religious activity across large areas of Europe. In fact, Charlemagne's impact on history can easily be deduced from his nickname: "the father of Europe."

Fortunately, at least for readers of Medieval Warfare, Charles’s paternity was not accepted without a fight. Indeed, Charlemagne spent many of his years as ruler of the Frankish kingdom (and later as Emperor) fighting one enemy or another, including the rebellious Franks, the Lombards in Italy, the Muslims in Spain, the Saxons in Germany, and the Avars in the East. Not even the Byzantines were entirely safe. Thus, unification was only achieved by fire and sword. In this he was quite similar to most of the other “pacifiers” of antiquity or even the entire Middle Ages; what was exceptional was that he was so completely successful. In this issue of Medieval Warfare, we take you through this period of aggressive expansionism, highlighting some of the most important episodes in the story of Charlemagne, the military “brain.” The issue begins with our usual introduction, which looks at the rise of the Franks and gives an overview of Charlemagne’s life. Our authors then take you through the Lombard campaigns, then the Saxon wars, and finally the fight against the Avars. In addition, Charlemagne’s cruelty (or lack thereof) is questioned in our Source article, while the success of the Carolingian armies is explained in an article focusing on their organisation, tactics and equipment.

If Charles the Great or the Middle Ages aren’t really your thing, we have two non-topic articles. The first offers insight into one of the lesser-known, but equally crucial, episodes of the Hussite Wars – the Battle of Aussig in 1426. In fact, I must say that this article alone is reason enough to have this issue in your collection. The second non-topic article may not be of interest to the casual armchair general, but if you’re looking for something gruesome and bloody, Treason Law in Medieval England might be right up your alley.
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