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Warfare in Tenth-Century Germany
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2012
About this book
A complete survey of the military campaigns of the early Saxons, tactics, strategy, and logistics, demonstrating in particular the sophistication of the administration involved.
Over the course of half a century, the first two kings of the Saxon dynasty, Henry I (919-936) and Otto I (936-973), waged war across the length and breadth of Europe. Ottonian armies campaigned from the banks of the Oder in the east to the Seine in the west, and from the shores of the Baltic Sea in the north, to the Adriatic and Mediterranean in the south. In the course of scores of military operations, accompanied by diligent diplomatic efforts, Henry and Otto recreated the empire of Charlemagne, and established themselves as the hegemonic rulers in Western Europe.
This book shows how Henry I and Otto I achieved this remarkable feat, and provides a comprehensive analysis ofthe organization, training, morale, tactics, and strategy of Ottonian armies over a long half century. Drawing on a vast array of sources, including exceptionally important information developed through archaeological excavations,it demonstrates that the Ottonian kings commanded very large armies in military operations that focused primarily on the capture of fortifications, including many fortress cities of Roman origin. This long-term military success shows that Henry I and Otto I, building upon the inheritance of their Carolingian predecessors, and ultimately that of the late Roman empire, possessed an extensive and well-organized administration, and indeed, bureaucracy, whichmobilized the resources that were necessary for the successful conduct of war.
David S. Bachrach is Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire.
Over the course of half a century, the first two kings of the Saxon dynasty, Henry I (919-936) and Otto I (936-973), waged war across the length and breadth of Europe. Ottonian armies campaigned from the banks of the Oder in the east to the Seine in the west, and from the shores of the Baltic Sea in the north, to the Adriatic and Mediterranean in the south. In the course of scores of military operations, accompanied by diligent diplomatic efforts, Henry and Otto recreated the empire of Charlemagne, and established themselves as the hegemonic rulers in Western Europe.
This book shows how Henry I and Otto I achieved this remarkable feat, and provides a comprehensive analysis ofthe organization, training, morale, tactics, and strategy of Ottonian armies over a long half century. Drawing on a vast array of sources, including exceptionally important information developed through archaeological excavations,it demonstrates that the Ottonian kings commanded very large armies in military operations that focused primarily on the capture of fortifications, including many fortress cities of Roman origin. This long-term military success shows that Henry I and Otto I, building upon the inheritance of their Carolingian predecessors, and ultimately that of the late Roman empire, possessed an extensive and well-organized administration, and indeed, bureaucracy, whichmobilized the resources that were necessary for the successful conduct of war.
David S. Bachrach is Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire.
Author / Editor information
Contributor: David S Bachrach
David S. Bachrach is a professor of medieval history at the University of New Hampshire. His research interests include the administrative and military history of the Carolingian Empire as well as the medieval German and English kingdoms.
Reviews
An invaluable mine of information, detail and insights, all set out with great clarity and logic.
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Offers great scope for debate...which will support or contest Bachrach's insightful and often challenging arguments.
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[T[his book offers many valuable and new insights. Moreover, it is based on an astounding number of sources and scholarly works. It thus deserves the attention of all medievalists, not only those interested in military history.
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Offers a welcome insight into Ottonian military organisation and warfare.
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An excellent introduction to the military and political history of the Ottonian kingdom.
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A fascinating study.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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Contents
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List of Illustrations
vi -
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Acknowledgments
vii -
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Abbreviations
ix -
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Introduction
1 -
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1 Restoring Francia Orientalis: Henry I’s Long Term Strategy
14 -
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2 Forging a New Empire
39 -
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3 Military Organization
70 -
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4 Military Education
102 -
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5 Arms and Training
135 -
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6 Morale
169 -
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7 Tactics on the Battlefield
193 -
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8 Campaign Strategy: The Civil War of 953–954
226 -
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Conclusion
254 -
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Appendix: Major Military Operations by Henry I, Otto I, and Their Commanders
257 -
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Bibliography
262 -
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Index
298
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
February 28, 2024
eBook ISBN:
9781782040439
Original publisher:
Boydell Press
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook ISBN:
9781782040439
Keywords for this book
Administration; Henry I; Military Campaigns; Otto I; Ottonian Armies; Saxon Dynasty
Audience(s) for this book
For an expert adult audience, including professional development and academic research
