In the time of Mongol.27s invasion Warfare in Medieval Poland

battle of legnica, 1241 (miniature of picturesque legend of saint hedwig of andechs)

in 12th century process of creation of knighthood began in poland (and lasted more century), strictly connected tenure of land. in order recreate picture of army of times, essential know duties of particular classes of society: military duty, specified works army s needs duty , services in kind army duty. first type of duty rested in soldiers hands. other 2 responsibility of burghers , (most of) peasants.

this period - previous 1 - little understood, battle of legnica has such rich iconography, possible attempt make estimates. armour of ordinary soldier changed little, eminent knights (including henry ii pious) had hauberks enriched iron plate elements, , great helms, nicely ornamented. leszek czarny, died in 1288, depicted on gravestone in kraków in full plate armour.

tactics of battlefield not complicated. knights (along squires) stayed in close order formation infantry on flanks, , – after initial shots of bowmen or crossbowmen – started charge. in same moment commander – fighting @ head of main detachment - lost control on army , battle degenerated melée in scourge , disarray. in such circumstances possibility of panic crucial element of fight, , battle - supposedly won - lost.