How were gory medieval battles?
Medieval battles could get very bloody. For instance, in the Battle of Falkirk, Scotland, the Scots lost perhaps 2,000 (out of 6,000) in the battle, and another 1,000 or so in a well-organized retreat. English losses were proprotionately lighter, perhaps 1,000 out of 15,000.
How did ancient battles work?
Ancient battles generally had a very low death rate for the victors and large rate for the losers. Wounded victors could simply sit and wait for military doctors to tend to them while wounded losers would lag behind and be cut down or captured.
How did anyone survive medieval battles?
Still, most people got away, often by throwing down their shields, weapons, and armor to run better. The only time when most people died was when they were surrounded or trapped by geographical features. With that context, here are some very rough survival rates for medieval battles.
Did peasants fight in wars?
Peasants didn’t go to war, unless in some auxiliary role as porters or the like. Peasants weren’t allowed to bear arms (and even less able to afford them): the few peasants’ revolts were fought with scythes and pitchforks. And using a sword or, worse, a bow, require a training no peasant had.
Did kings and queens fight in battle?
The last English king to die in battle was Richard III 1485. The last English king to fight in battle was George II in1745. Towards the end of WWII Churchill wanted to travel to Normandy just after D day and the generals/admirals were having a hard time dissuading him against it.
Did medieval generals fight in battle?
Kings and generals did in general not fight side by side amongst their men. Not if they had any sense in them anyway. Their job is to command, not to fight themselves. The moment he gets into a fight personally, he looses control over his army, and will typically loose the battle.
What is a medieval weapon?
Medieval weapons varied from simple tools, like arrows, to complex engines of emerging medieval warfare technology, like cannons. The most used weapons were daggers, axes, clubs and spears, while swords were typically only used by knights and their retainers or by men wealthy enough to afford them.