The Stubborn 3 Year Siege of Smolensk
The Time of Troubles is one of the most difficult periods in the history of Russia. It was an era marked by a grave state…
Lagartha the Shield Maiden – Legend or Reality?
History is like a game of telephone. It is recorded and transmitted to the future by whatever form of communication is available to the historian,…
The Stirrup: Genghis Khan’s Deadliest Weapon
Though most of us have never given such an unremarkable, humdrum object a second thought, the humble stirrup, used by horse riders for much of…
Subatai – the Dog of War & The Mongol’s Most Accomplished General
Every legend has roots in historical fact, and there are few characters whose legendary feats and accomplishments can match those of the famed Mongol warlord…
Finding Historical Treasure May Get New Rules on Britain’s Battlefields
Metal detecting in England has become a popular pastime. With history to be found under almost any footstep in parts of England, there are many…
The Knights Hospitaller and the Great Siege of Malta
In 1530, the Knights Hospitaller were given control of the island of Malta. 35 years later, in 1565, the Ottoman Empire invaded the island. The…
Russia’s 1st Naval Victory – Defeating Sweden at the Battle of Gangut
The Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) pitted two great warrior leaders against one another for over 20 years – Peter I of Russia and…
Once the Greatest Army in Europe – The Black Army of Hungary
In the latter half of the 15th century, there was a superpower in Europe. It wasn’t France, and it wasn’t England. Spain would not rise…
Sappers And Siege Engines – Ivan The Terrible Conquers The city Of Kazan
The army had been in place under the city walls for weeks. Ivan the Fourth, Tsar of all the Russians, accompanied his force in the…
Bedford Castle In Early England Is Now Completely Gone, But A Game-Changing Medieval Siege Took Place There In 1224
Civil wars and revolts were common in medieval England. Without elections to decide between opposing leaders and policies, violence became the answer. As in modern…
These Twelve Battles Were Defining Moments In The History Of 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.…
The Rules Of Chivalry Were So Important In Medieval Society, But Breaking The Rules Was Almost As Important
In the Middle Ages, chivalry was more than just a name for polite behavior. It was a set of rules meant to limit the actions…