Casualty Rates and Evolution of Arms and Armour

[Robert Murphy]

'Llo Fellows,

While I realize this is a very (perhaps impossibly) broad question, one thing which I have always been curious about is the (for lack of a better term) 'race' over the course of the Middle Ages to develop more effective protection to counter evermore effective weaponry. Put simply, there must have been times where one had a bit of a 'lead' over the other, with a corresponding relation in battlefield casualties. (Note that here I am referring to the lot of those who would naturally be the best protected and armed on the battlefield--knights, royalty, et al.--not more 'common' footsoldiers.)

Question: in studying the evolution of Medieval warfare, do any discernable periods emerge where a knight's odds of survival were markedly better or worse?

I know there are a scores of intangibles here; there is/was no such thing as a 'typical' battle. But any feedback anyone can offer here would be greatly appreciated...

Cheers,

Robert

[M Wallgren]

Good topic! But as you say large!;)

One thing that is extra intressting is the upps and downs of technology and knowlage. The reinvetion of things over and over.

I will come back to you on this at when I have time to wright something on the topic!

M

[Robert Murphy]

Thanks Martin: I would be very interested to read your commentary on this subject.

Cheers,

Robert