list at least two weaknesses of european feudal armies revealed by the fight at el mansura
To identify weaknesses of European feudal armies revealed by the fight at El Mansura, we need to understand the historical context. The Battle of El Mansura took place in 1250 during the Seventh Crusade, led by King Louis IX of France against the Ayyubid Sultanate of Egypt. This battle highlighted some shortcomings in the European feudal army. Here are two weaknesses that were revealed:
1. Lack of Adaptability: The European feudal army struggled to adapt to the terrain and climate of the Middle East. The battle took place in Egypt, where the vast and unpredictable Nile Delta terrain created challenges for the European soldiers who were not accustomed to such conditions. The water-soaked land and irrigation canals disrupted their strategies and mobility, making it difficult to effectively engage with the enemy. The European forces were not adequately trained or equipped to handle these unfamiliar circumstances, which put them at a disadvantage.
2. Limited Tactical Flexibility: Feudal armies were structured around knights, heavily armored cavalry units that formed the backbone of European medieval armies. However, at El Mansura, their traditional tactics of charging head-on and relying on shock value proved inadequate against the Ayyubid defenses. The Egyptian forces utilized mobile archers, camouflaged pits, and other defensive mechanisms, making the straight-forward cavalry charges less effective. The European feudal army lacked the tactical flexibility necessary to adapt their strategies to overcome these obstacles, leading to heavy casualties and ultimate defeat.
In summary, the weaknesses of European feudal armies revealed at the Battle of El Mansura included a lack of adaptability to foreign terrain and climate, as well as limited tactical flexibility in the face of innovative defenses by the enemy.