I Normanni in battaglia: fionde, granate, triboli, mazze e altri artifizi

Abstract

Beyond the undoubted propensity to defend and consolidate acquired positions by force with the value of arms, the ‘Norman Conquest’ represents an extremely significant moment for the study of war strategies and the armaments adopted. Courage and audacity, combined with the value of arms, celebrated the identity of the Normans, profoundly marking the history and civilisation of Western Europe between the 11th and 12th centuries. The reasons for this success are multiple, some related to favorable circumstances, others to the political and military prowess of the commanders. The essay highlights some original war devices employed by the Norman armies against the Byzantines and the Arabs to achieve their goals of conquest.