In the 14th and 15th centuries Warfare in Medieval Poland

battle of grunwald (fragment), jan matejko

the 14th , beginning of 15th centuries characterized fast development of arms, tactics , strategy well. knighthood of kingdom of poland strengthened good, , in battlefield developed , dominated maneuverability, full scale outflanking, surrounding, unconventional uses of cavalry , infantry units surprise enemy. in days commanders stayed away fight, observing battle selected place (mostly @ top of hill), had wide view on surroundings. detachments led known, experienced knights named voyvodes.

polish army of period consisted - before - of knights, burghers, , peasants, obvious division of labor , specialization: cavalry, infantry, , fortified cities defenders. knight, along lance belonged own chorągiew (or rota) of land, clan, or mercenary, , best warriors called lead chorągiews of army. szlachta of moderate means, able arm , support lance, enlisted chorągiew of particular land, knights had estates. poorer knights enlisted chorągiews created , maintained magnates, or few mercenary royal chorągiews created under king s order particular, rich , famous commandander. infantry made of peasants (one of 5 men of royal villages: 4 remaining in village had equip , arm fifth). burghers had defend cities, , different guilds responsible particular part of walls defense. they, richer peasants, able better armours , weapons: light helmets, mail, or mail-plate armours; in addition taught how fight, purpose shot brotherhoods created.

the weapon of knight changed little: swords longer, long cruciform hilts grips on 15 cm in length (providing room 2 hands), straight double-edged blades on 90 cm in length, , weigh typically between 1.2 , 1.4 kg (so called greatswords or bastards). on contrary armour transformed significantly. mail gradually enriched iron plates, covered of endangered parts of body, , in beginning of 15th century replaced full plate armour. worth know armour covered outer garment of tunic form, open @ sides , belted, emblazoned coats of arms, known tabard. uncomfortable great helms went out of use, replaced first visored bascinets, typically fitted aventail , hinged visor.

the crossbows of infantry became heavier, , more dangerous knights, , ordinary shield of past replaced pavise; high, rectangle shield, behind foot soldier safely shoot @ enemy. last inventions of 15th century black powder , cannon. latter first time used in poland after death of king louis of hungary, when followers of 1 of candidates throne besieged opponents in castle of pyzdry in 1383. bombards of times, shot stone projectiles, quite against fortifications, useless on battlefield.