Medieval Sieges explores the multifaceted nature of these engagements. It delves into siege tactics and engineering, defensive innovations like concentric castles, and the grim realities of starvation and disease. Specific historical examples, such as the sieges of Constantinople, Acre, and Orleans, illustrate the interplay between offensive and defensive strategies.
The book progresses from fundamental principles to offensive and defensive technologies, psychological warfare, and long-term societal consequences. The book uncovers how sieges influenced military technology, power dynamics, and the social fabric of the era. It integrates military history with social and cultural history, providing a nuanced understanding of siege warfare, emphasizing the human dimensions of these prolonged and brutal conflicts.