Deception in Medieval Warfare: Trickery and Cunning in the Central Middle Ages

This book is the first full-length study of the use and perception of deceit in medieval warfare, looking at tricks reported in medieval chronicles and what contemporary society thought about it. It reveals a society with a moral ambivalence towards military deception, in which authors were able to celebrate a warrior's cunning while simultaneously condemning their enemies for similar acts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The use of deception and trickery in medieval warfare has been extensively studied, with this book being the first comprehensive exploration of its prevalence and perception during this era. From the legendary Trojan horse to the innovative inflatable tanks employed in World War II, deception has been a fundamental aspect of warfare throughout history. The wars of the Central Middle Ages, spanning from approximately 1000 to 1320, were no exception to this rule.

This book delves into the various tricks and tactics reported in medieval chronicles, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of medieval warriors. One notable example is the Norman's feigned flight at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which successfully drew the English troops away from Senlac Hill, allowing the Normans to gain the upper hand. Similarly, the Turks infiltrated the Frankish camp at the Field of Blood in 1119 disguised as bird sellers, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for the Muslims.

Furthermore, the Scottish camp followers at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 displayed their own unique form of deception by waving laundry as banners, mimicking a division of soldiers. This innovative tactic helped the Scots surprise the English and secure a crucial victory.

The book also examines the societal attitudes towards deception on the battlefield during the medieval period. Was it considered a legitimate way to fight, or was it viewed as dishonorable and immoral? Did cunning and deceitfulness earn admiration and respect among warriors, or were they condemned as deceitful tactics? These questions are explored in depth through a detailed analysis of vocabulary and narrative devices.

What emerges from this study is a complex and nuanced understanding of medieval society's moral ambivalence towards military deception. On the one hand, authors were able to celebrate a warrior's cunning and skill in employing deception, portraying them as heroes and valiant warriors. On the other hand, they simultaneously condemned their enemies for similar acts of deceit, often using derogatory language and moralizing narratives to condemn their opponents.

This book also includes an appendix that catalogs over four hundred incidents of military deception as recorded in contemporary chronicle narratives. These incidents provide a rich source of information and insight into the various forms of deception employed by medieval warriors and the strategies they used to gain an advantage in battle.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the use and perception of deceit in medieval warfare. It sheds light on the creative and innovative tactics employed by medieval warriors and provides a deeper understanding of the societal attitudes towards deception on the battlefield. Through a detailed analysis of vocabulary and narrative devices, this book reveals a society with a profound moral ambivalence towards military deception, in which authors were able to celebrate a warrior's cunning while simultaneously condemning their enemies for similar acts of deceit.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 208 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276783