Medieval Siege Weapons (1): Western Europe Ad 585-1385

Author/Contributor(s):	Nicolle, David; Thompson, Sam
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (UK)
Date:	09/18/2002
Binding:	Paperback
Condition:	NEW

The Medieval era was a period of huge variety and invention in siege warfare. Before the use of cannon and other gun-powder artillery, siege engines relied on assorted sources of power, from torsion 'energy storage' systems to man-power, counter-balances and others. This book reveals how technological traditions from the Graeco-Roman world, Persia, India and above all China made a massive contribution to siege warfare techniques. It also covers developments in military engineering, such as mining, counter-mining, the breaking of walls, the use of noxious and chemical fumes and the use of fire-weapons.