Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century (Oxford Historical Monographs)

This is a carefully researched and illuminating study of siege warfare in the twelfth century. The siege was an integral part of medieval military experience, and was particularly significant in the Mediterranean region. Rogers explores siege warfare and the role it played in the First Crusade and the establishment of the Crusader States, in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and in the seaborne expeditions of the Italian maritime states. Rogers sets out to discover how it was that crusading forces handicapped by rudimentary organization and logistical support were able to conduct some of the most dramatic siege operations of the pre-gunpowder period. He traces the development and diffusion of techniques and analyzes the experience of siege warfare in every aspect, from the question of supplies of component parts for siege engines to the often complex political situations of besieger and besieged. This is a book which contributes not only to the military history of the twelfth century but also to its political and cultural history. 1. Latin Siege Warfare In The First Crusade -- 2. The Capture Of The Palestinian Coast And The Development Of Crusader Siege Technique -- 3. Siege Operations In The Establishment Of Norman Authority In Italy And Sicily -- 4. Cities And Siege Warfare: Lombardy In The Twelfth Century -- 5. Siege Warfare In The Iberian Reconquista -- 6. Seaborne Siege Warfare: The Italian Maritime States And Latin Expansion -- 7. Towards Conclusions -- App. I. Evidence For Crusader Siege Towers 1099-1169 -- App. Ii. Siege Engines: General Descriptions And Terms -- App. Iii. The Problem Of Artillery. R. Rogers. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [274]-288) And Index. Explores the literary world in which the modern best-seller first emerged. This book promotes writers as stars and celebrities, advertising both products and themselves. It is a collective biography of literary figures, some forgotten, some enduring, over half a century. A study of siege warfare in the 12th century, this work explores the role it played in the First Crusade and the establishment of the Crusader States, in Italy, Spain and Portugal, and in the seaborne expeditions of the Italian maritime states.