“Sappers played a crucial role in medieval warfare, using their knowledge of engineering to create and destroy fortifications, and often paving the way for the success of an entire army.”
Clifford J. Rogers, Professor of History at the United States Military Academy and author of “The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology.”
During a medieval castle siege, specialist miners were individuals trained to dig under the walls of the castle. These miners were employed to try and weaken the walls, allowing the besieging army to breach them and gain access to the castle.
“Medieval sappers were among the most skilled and daring of all military engineers, using their expertise to tunnel under enemy fortifications and undermine their walls.” .”
Kelly DeVries, Professor of History at Loyola University Maryland and author of “Medieval Military Technology
They would dig tunnels under the castle walls, collapsing them when they got close enough to the surface. As a result, they were also known as sappers or miners. The job was dangerous and required special training, as the tunnels had to be dug quickly and with precision.
The miner’s tools were simple, just shovels and picks, but their work was essential for gaining access to a castle.
Specialist miners were trained to dig tunnels, also known as saps, that would allow a besieging army to break through a castle’s defenses. This highly specialized skill was learned by miners in their native countries, such as Italy, France, and Germany.
These miners were often well-trained and experienced, having practiced their craft for many years. Their main task was to dig tunnels under the walls of the castle and to construct various tools and devices that would facilitate their digging.
“The use of sappers in medieval warfare was a significant development, allowing armies to break through seemingly impregnable fortifications and gain strategic advantages.”
Ian Heath, military historian and author of “The Medieval Siege.”
They would use fire or gunpowder explosives to weaken the walls of the castle, and set up siege engines to take down the defenses. They also had to learn how to build and maintain defensive barriers around their tunnel entrances, as well as how to build reinforced shelters and tunnels inside the castle.
In order to be successful at their job, miners had to understand and anticipate the enemy’s tactics and strategies. As such, they had to be highly observant, patient, and skilled in their craft.
