ABSTRACT
Medieval warfare in the period 1000—1300 was influenced more than anything else by the nature of the people waging war, by the climate and geographical circumstances in which they fought, and by the available technology, which itself was in part governed by political and social factors. The style of war reflected the nature of landholding and its central importance. Raiding and devastation were the primary activities and mounted men who could be easily mobilized were necessary, both to wage it and to guard against it. Mobility was always important and the cavalry always held the initiative, but their potential in battle was not always realized because of the problems of organization and discipline. The social exclusivity of the aristocracy dominated war. Because of it there were no forums to develop the theory of war, the improvement of weapons or even the systematic use of cavalry and infantry. War between elites was marked by a degree of moderation and even mercy.
