Armies of the Medieval Italian Wars 1125-1325

The great powers of medieval Europe fought continuously in the Italian peninsula between the 12th and 14th centuries, resulting in conflicts between rival confederacies, the creation of the defensive Lombard League, the development of Italian urban militias, the Imperial armies becoming multi-national forces, and the reliance on mercenary forces. France and Spain vied for control of southern Italy, and the great naval powers of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice became fierce rivals.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 48 pages
\n Publication date: 21 February 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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The intense territorial expansion of medieval Europe took place in the Italian peninsula between the 12th and 14th centuries, marked by continuous warfare among the great powers. The Holy Roman Empire, originating from Germany, launched invasions that led to the formation of the defensive Lombard League, a coalition of northern Italian city-states. These conflicts sparked rival confederacies, which in turn spurred advancements in organizational and tactical strategies. Italian urban militias underwent improved organization and equipment, while the Imperial armies transitioned from predominantly German to multinational forces. Both sides became heavily reliant on mercenary forces to wage their wars.

In the 1260s, France, known for its skilled armored cavalry, and Spain, with their innovative light infantry, engaged in a fierce battle for control over southern Italy. On the seas, the powerful naval powers of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice emerged as rival rivals, establishing vast trading empires that brought the riches of the East to feudal Europe. This captivating book, adorned with detailed color plates, showcases the diverse armies and navies that battled for dominance in the Italian Middle Ages, providing a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in European history.

\n Weight: 172g\n
Dimension: 246 x 181 x 4 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472833402\n \n