From the ancient world to the medieval period, animals have been used in warfare for various purposes. In medieval siege warfare, animals played an important role in a number of ways, from carrying supplies and weapons to intimidating the enemy and breaking down walls.
One of the most famous examples of animals used in medieval siege warfare are war elephants. These massive animals were used by the armies of ancient and medieval India, Persia, and the Middle East to trample enemy soldiers and break through enemy lines.
During the Crusades, European armies also encountered war elephants on the battlefield, and sometimes used them in their own armies.
In addition to war elephants, horses were also an important part of medieval siege warfare. Horses were used to carry supplies, weapons, and troops to and from the battlefield.
They were also used to pull siege engines like ballistae and catapults.
Another animal commonly used in medieval siege warfare was the dog. Siege dogs were trained to attack enemy soldiers and to help bring down walls and fortifications. They were often equipped with armor and spikes to protect them from enemy weapons.
“From the deployment of war elephants to the use of specially trained war dogs, animals were an essential component of medieval siege warfare, providing both strategic and tactical advantages on the battlefield.” – Michael Prestwich, British historian and author of “Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Experience”
But perhaps the most unusual animals used in medieval siege warfare were the siege goats. These goats were fitted with special harnesses that allowed them to carry small amounts of explosives or flammable materials.
The goats would be sent into enemy territory, where they would be set on fire or exploded, causing chaos and destruction among the enemy forces.
While the use of animals in medieval siege warfare may seem cruel or unusual to us today, it was a common and accepted practice at the time.
Animals played an important role in helping armies overcome the formidable defenses of fortified cities and castles. They were a valuable resource in an age when technology was still limited, and their use on the battlefield often made the difference between victory and defeat.
“The use of animals in medieval siege warfare was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of military commanders, who leveraged every available asset to achieve their strategic objectives.” – Kelly DeVries, American historian and author of “Medieval Military Technology”
In conclusion, the use of animals in medieval siege warfare is a fascinating aspect of military history. From war elephants to siege dogs and even siege goats, these animals played an important role in many of the great sieges of the medieval period. Their legacy can still be seen in modern military tactics, where animals like dogs are still used in combat operations.
“The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology” edited by Clifford J. Rogers
“Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Experience” by Michael Prestwich
“Medieval Military Technology” by Kelly DeVries