Protochivalry? Frankish Armored Cavalry in 8th–10th Centuries as They Depicted in Visual Sources
Volodymyr Hutsul|NULL AUTHOR_ID
The article is devoted to the analysis of how Carolingian cavalrymen and their arms armour are depicted in a set visual sources dating back VIII – X centuries. How Frankish horseman was armed VIII-X centuries generally clear. However, questions well fought he used his weapons battle have so far remained unnoticed by researchers, with exceptions Lynn White, Bernard Bachrach Guy Halsall. But even they were more interested general trends than particular combat practices. This largely due conciseness written sources. As Timothy Reuter argues, “yet face … eludes us when we read these works”. studies practices, paramount importance, as only provide holistic clear picture cavalry armament complex, use this complex combat. In recent times, historiographical debate about time armoured appeared army period such transformed itself into chivalry incomplete. It revolves around relevance theses uttered Lin White 1960s. Important material that scholars exploit permanently but arbitrarily. text an attempt systematize iconography - iconographic depicting cavalry, its practical use. confirms clearly existence importance first Carolingians, despite modern scholar’s different views on force level, leading role military culture no later second half ninth century. cabinet view Western researchers uselessness during sieges not confirmed On contrary, both images texts demonstrate widest possible actions, primarily for rapid response initiatives besieged. Technological transformations mounted fighting slow. Despite fact stirrups been recorded Europe since VII century, century miniature from manuscript "The Life Saint Wandrille”. Further, frequent irregular, White's theory crucial stirrup introduction transforming society IX corresponding shock Bachrach's opposition thesis unpopularity among Franks cannot be accepted either. likely stirrups’ transformation techniques slow, parallel increase quality quantity saddle horses. image couched lance has 9th motif rider held straight grip horizontally arm bent at elbow appears Golden Psalter St. Gallen Boland Prudence, context march pursuit one unit another. Stirrups, saddles spurs visible too Carolinian period. third spear relief sarcophagus Civita Castellana difficult attribute chronologically accurately. By analogy war horses, equestrians equipment, can widely dated tenth thecouched found twice (Codex Perizoni, Psychomachy Lawrence) siege convoy captives. four five, there enemy hit stroke, while fifth, displays hunting scene hunter horseback striking wild boar lance. Interpretation means German Italian fencing manuals, 1938 regulations Polish leads conclusion cavalry’s knowing technique couching does automatically mean ability Holding under armpit gave opportunity blows shaft or "winged” ends head, which effective melee. According sources, spread seems indisputable, resulting development effectiveness army. Although identification erroneous, horse rider's armament, consisting spear, sword, shield, helmet, body armour, defined Ottonian force. equipment technological basis, community bearers favourable environment emerged technologies broadest sense term served cultural basis forming chivalrous technology future. obvious growing progressive experiments spear-wielding centuries, proved textual day, available source prove elites. So, it early speak emergence knightly and, accordingly, opened "window opportunity" equestrian developing proliferating ultimately growth political specialists capable kingdoms remains relevant.
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