Medieval Poland
How strong was Poland’s army compared to the other countries in the medieval period?
During the Medeival Period there were no ‘national’ armies, instead there were Nobles and their retainers. Poland by dint of its grain & agriculture was quite strong during the late Medeival Period. Healthy crops make for healthy population and the prosperity generated by Polish agriculture meant that not only could the Nobles feed their retainers but they could also provide adequate clothing and weapons.
The Poles earned a reputation as brave resolute fighters and they were numeroius enough to be effective. In contrast to later periods in history, during this era Poland was quite unified and this added to her strength against other countries. It is impoirtant to bear in mind that during this operiod Germany was a collection of petty kingdoms & principalities and much of Russia was a howling wilderness. For a brief time Poland was one of the most important powers in Europe…
See these links for some cool info….
http://www.warfareeast.co.uk/main/Poland.htm
“”" Like their Western counterparts the Polish relied upon her Nobles and their retainers to provide the core of their armies. A Noble, depending on his wealth was expected to bring a support group of mounted retainers (Strzelcy) with him. These retainers would have numbered between 2-5 men. Each retainer in turn could be required to bring their own support group of infantry. The Polish Crown further supplemented their feudal foot with Town militias and mercenaries. Unlike a western feudal army the Polish fielded a significant number of light horse.
The core of the Polish Army were the Nobles. As with the Feudal armies of Western Europe the Polish Nobles were equipped as Heavily armoured cavalry. Their basic equipment remained the same through the period. They deployed in the heaviest armour available and used a lance as their primary shock weapon. Towards the end of this period, close contact with the lighter cavalry of the Lithuanians and increasing conflict with the Tatars of the south saw a gradual reduction in the ‘weight’ of the Knight’s armour. The Polish King’s of the period offered tax incentives and other perks to European Armourers to settle in Poland. As a result of this and thriving German/Polish trading concerns, the Polish knight closely resembled his counterparts in Germany. The Noble deployed for battle accompanied by his mounted retainers, the Strzelcy.
Strzelcy were predominately missile armed troops, their name approximately translates as shot-men. Crossbows were the main weapon and remained so until post 1500. Some Strzelcy, particularly from areas with high Tatar or Lithuanian settlements mustered with bows but these were a minority. A significant minority also carried lances. A Noble would raise his Strzelcy from villages under his control. Only the minority of villagers would have had sufficient wealth to provide the weapons and armour they needed. Even so the armour of the Strzelcy was far lighter than that of the knights. Mail and scale armour would have been the best with stiffened leather the norm. Shields were carried by the majority.The Strzelcy of a unit fired simultaneously by arcade. Spieralski notes that for maximum effect when firing by arcade the crossbow should be fired at a 45 Degree angle. Missile fire was intended either to soften up the enemy units prior to a general charge or to break up their charging formation, making the Polish counter charge more decisive.”"”
http://www.jasinski.co.uk/wojna/develop/dev01.htm
Peace . . . / / – - – - O .u. O – - – - –
Medieval II Total War: POLAND
|
|
Gdansk, Poland, about 1935 Photo Mugs Gdansk is on the Baltic coast and, before 1945, the British knew it only by its German name – Danzig.The port crane on the river Motlawa is medieval. …. |
|
|
Polish Merchant Photo Mugs A merchant of Krakow, Poland in his warehouse …. |
|
|
Saint Hyacinth carrying an image of the Virgin Photo Mugs Hyacinth, Silesian saint who escaped from the flames of Kiev during an attack on a monastery by the Tartars because he was carrying an image of the Virgin. His feast day is 17 August….. |
|
|
Millennium Sancti Adalberti Wojtechi – Polish Medieval Chant [Audio CD] $19.95 Millennium Sancti Adalberti Wojtechi Polish Medieval Chant Celebrating the Name of St. Adalbert Polskie sredniowieczne spiewy liturgiczne ku czci sw. Wojciecha Conductor: Augustyn Bloch Organ of the Church: Jaroslaw Malanowicz 01-17. Polish Medieval Chant Celebrating the Name of St. Adalbert, and instrumenal improvisations on the melodies of the chant 18. Augustyn Bloch – Hac festa die per organo… |
|
|
Cathedral in Wroclaw (poland) – 36H x 24W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Historical Medieval Town Hall Tower in Krakow, Poland – 24H x 18W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
St Mary’s Church by Night – 36W x 27H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Poland $29.99 Poland has been invaded and occupied by many other countries, yet it has maintained its own proud historical heritage. Warsaw, the capital, is being restored, and other cities, such as Krakow and Gdansk, show off this country’s rich culture. Strong Roman Catholic roots are seen in pilgrimages to the Black Madonna while Auschwitz reveals darker aspects of its history.This product is manufactured on… |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Gdansk, Poland, about 193 from National Maritime Museum $24.99 Photo Puzzle, Gdansk, Poland, about 1935. Gdansk is on the Baltic coast and, before 1945, the British knew it only by its German name – Danzig.The port crane on the river Motlawa is medieval. . Chosen by National Maritime Museum. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to box top. Puzzle pieces printed on RA4 p… |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Saint Hyacinth carrying an image of the Virgin from Mary Evans $29.99 Photo Puzzle, Saint Hyacinth carrying an image of the Virgin. Hyacinth, Silesian saint who escaped from the flames of Kiev during an attack on a monastery by the Tartars because he was carrying an image of the Virgin. His feast day is 17 August. Chosen by Mary Evans. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to b… |