How has the nature and technology of warfare evolved from earliest times to 1500 CE?
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/timeline/a/timeline-to-1000.htm
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/gabrmetz/gabr0001.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history
•How has the nature and technology of warfare evolved, from earliest times to 1500 CE?
To understand how the nature and technology of warfare has evolved from earliest times to 1500 CE, we can take a broad look at some key developments over this period.
1. Ancient Warfare (3000 BCE - 500 BCE): The earliest warfare was often characterized by small-scale conflicts and limited technological advancements. Weapons like simple bows and arrows, swords, spears, and siege weapons like battering rams and catapults were used. Battles were typically fought between infantry forces, with chariots playing a significant role in some cultures.
2. Classical Warfare (500 BCE - 500 CE): This era saw the rise of large empires such as the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires. Technological advancements in warfare included the introduction of iron weapons, better armor, and the use of the phalanx formation in ancient Greece and Rome. Siege warfare also became more sophisticated, with the development of better siege engines like ballistae and the use of siege towers.
3. Medieval Warfare (500 CE - 1500 CE): The medieval period witnessed several changes in warfare. One significant development was the use of mounted knights and the establishment of feudalism, where a knight served a lord in exchange for land. This period saw the rise of castles and fortifications. The technology of warfare improved with the introduction of better armor, more powerful longbows, and the use of gunpowder-based weapons, including cannons and early firearms.
It's worth mentioning that these are general trends, and different regions and cultures might have had their own unique approaches to warfare during this time. Additionally, this timeline is a simplification, and there were variations and overlaps in different parts of the world.
To dive deeper into the topic, you can refer to historical records, academic books, or articles that cover the military history of specific civilizations or battles. These sources can provide a more in-depth understanding of how warfare evolved and the specific advancements in technology and strategy during different periods.