What Happened To Prisoners Of War In Medieval England – There Was Good Money To Be Made
In medieval times, war in Europe could be a complicated business involving allegiances and family interests that could span the entire continent. Up until late…
The Mystery of Medieval Weapons & Armor – Where Did It All Go?
The Fantastic Find The Battle of Visby in 1361 was not a particularly important battle in history. An army of Danes led by their king,…
The Spanish Mercenaries Were Outnumbered 500-1, The Battle of Cajamarca, 1532
Most military commanders will think twice about an attack unless they have an advantage in numbers over the enemy. However, in 1532 a Spanish conquistador…
The Battle of the Velbazhd (1330) Signaled the Beginning of Serbian Expansion
The Battle of Velbazhd was fought between the Kingdom of Serbia under Stefan Uroš III, known as Stefan Dečanski, and the Bulgarian Empire under Michael…
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh: The Last Pitched Battle Between England & Scotland
On September 10, 1547, the national armies of England and Scotland fought in a pitched battle at Pinkie Cleugh. Though no one knew it at the…
The Battle of Flodden: The Largest Battle Fought Between England and Scotland
Until their unification in the 17th century, England and Scotland had a long history of war against each other. The greatest battle of these conflicts…
The Battle of Bosworth Field: How Richard III Lost His Kingdom & His Life
The Battle of Bosworth Field was fought on the 22nd of August 1485 outside the small town of Market Bosworth, England. It was one of…
WW2 “Sweetheart Grips” Surprisingly Few People Know About Them
The personalization of equipment goes back for centuries. The Greeks often had to supply their own armor so they usually added ridged elements that simulated…
1860: The First U.S. Navy Submarine: “Alligator”
Submarines did not become common in naval forces around the world until the 20th century. But one did exist in 1860s America during the Civil War–the…
Pedro de Lara: From Powerful To Penniless
A man in the midst of a mid-life crisis is not a pretty sight. His mood can trigger all kinds of ill-advised behavior and foolish…
Defying His King: How The Battle Of Arsuf Was Won
Defying a king is no way to win medals, approval, or an invitation to court. Under certain kings of England, defiance could lead to time…
“Glowing” Wounds: Why Civil War Soldiers Had Injuries That Shone
Using insects – primarily maggots – to treat burns and wounds is a recognized, valid therapy. It is still used today to “debride” (clean) everything…