The Genoese crossbowmen were one of the most fearsome military forces of the medieval period. Equipped with powerful crossbows, this group of men became renowned across the world as the best mercenaries of their time, specializing in naval warfare.
The Genoese Crossbowmen had a long and illustrious history as a key part of the Genoese military. Led by Ottone Doria and Carlo Grimaldi, they were 5 000 Genoese crossbowmen deployed, in August 1346, During the Battle of Crécy.
Battle of Crécy Froissart
Commanders of the companies usually came from the noble families of the city. In many ways, they were considered superior to other archers because they could fire up to six shots per minute with their heavy bows.
During the Battle of Crécy, the members of the Genoese crossbowmen were trained and organized in Genoa. The crossbow weapon was used for long-range shooting and piercing armor. This gave them a tactical advantage during these battles.
Medieval Crossbowmen from the Italian army
Contrary to popular belief, the medieval period was not a time where battles were fought exclusively by knights on horseback. In fact, the most successful medieval combatants had a variety of weapons at their disposal, including those on land and sea. One such group were the Genoese crossbowmen.
Formed in 1338, they defended the Republic of Genoa and also acted as mercenaries for other Italian or European powers during medieval wars.
The Genoese Crossbowmen were a well-trained and highly skilled group of mercenaries who fought both on land and in naval battles. They were often used as a last line of defense, but they could also be used offensively because their range allowed them to get closer than any other medieval long-range weapon.
The Crossbowmen had superior skill in archery and the use of their weapons made them highly sought after by European powers who wanted an edge in medieval battles.
This image shows the length of a typical Hauberk chainmail shirt, they could be shorter or longer
The usual team consisted of a crossbowman and two assistants, one supporting the pavise, the other responsible for spanning a second bow, thus doubling the rate of fire.
Trigger of a crossbow used to fire bolts
Genoese Crossbowmen were feared by many enemies. The Battle of Crécy was a major engagement during the Hundred Years War between England and France. Fought on August 26, 1346 near Crécy in northern France, it was one of the most decisive battles ever fought between these two nations.
The battle marked an end to France’s initial dominance in the war, while ending Edward III’s campaign in France, which had begun four years earlier.
Contrary to popular belief, the medieval period was not a time where battles were fought exclusively by knights on horseback. In fact, the most successful medieval combatants had a variety of weapons at their disposal, including those on land and sea.
One such group were the Genoese crossbowmen. Formed in 1338, they defended the Republic of Genoa and also acted as mercenaries for other Italian or European powers during medieval wars.