Warfare and Society in the Carolingian Ostmark
Charles R. Bowlus
The relationship between military and social organization has long been a topic of major concern debate among scholars specializing in the history European middle ages. It is importance, for, as we who live modern world are aware, ways which any government organizes its people for warfare have many implications that go well beyond strategy particular campaign or tactics employed at decisive battle. rudimentary nature economies governments medieval Europe probably made more direct and, hence, obvious than it today. Peasants may illiterate, but they were cognizant their obligation to serve local levies provide food, fodder, transport facilities armies on campaign. Magnates kept retinue with them all times garrisoned private fortresses dependent surpluses produced by peasantry maintenance these forces.
Austrian History Yearbook