Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Middle Ages products

Monti, Alessandro/Mugnai, Bruno/Predonzani, Massimo: The Siege of Florence (1529-1530) and the "End of Italian Freedom" 42,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:15:07 +0200

Volume 36 of the series "From Retinue to Regiment 14531618" offers a new, revisionist account of one of the pivotal episodes of the Italian Wars. The work focuses on the Florentine Republics final struggle against the forces of Emperor Charles V and Pope Clement VII, examining both the military campaign and its far-reaching political consequences. The siege is portrayed not merely as a dramatic last stand, but as a turning point marking the collapse of republican independence in Renaissance Italy and the transition to princely rule. The authors challenge long-held myths surrounding the siegeparticularly the romanticized image of a heroic resistance undone by betrayal from within. Instead, they situate the events within a broader European context, demonstrating how diplomacy, internal discord, and strategic miscalculations shaped the conflict's outcome. By combining historical narrative with an analysis of military organization, leadership, and logistics, the book reconstructs the campaign in detailfrom the encirclement of Florence and the decisive defeat at Gavinana to the city's eventual capitulation. It also sheds light on key figures such as Francesco Ferrucci and Malatesta Baglioni, whose actions played a crucial role in shaping the enduring legend of the siege. Supplemented by new color illustrations from Massimo Predonzani and the native Florentine Bruno Mugnai, the book also examines the troops, their organization, and the flags and banners under which they fought.

Philipsen, Christian/Eike, Henning M./Tille, Katrin (Hrsg. u.a.): Gestalten - Kämpfen - Vermitteln 29,95 €

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:40:06 +0200

The actions of the nobility during the Early Modern periodan era marked by profound transformationswere constantly subject to particular pressures. This volume focuses on members of the lower nobility in central Germany, examining how selected representatives of the estate responded to the upheavals of their time, exercised authority, engaged in conflicts, pursued diverse life and career paths, and created enduring legacies through art and architecture. Eleven essays are dedicated to specific members of lower-noble families; they shaped stately homes and castlessuch as those in Leitzkauor left their mark as canons in the region's cathedrals. Examples from neighboring territories are also included. Richly illustrated, the volume presents the latest research findings and invites readers to explore the multifaceted lives and activities of the lower nobility.

Gloßmann, Erik: Schwedens sagenhafte Frauen 18,00 €

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:10:04 +0200

This book gathers stories of queens, saints, warrior women, and mysterious beings that have shaped the collective memory over the centuries. Drawing on historical sources, medieval chronicles, and traditional legends, it paints a fascinating portrait of women navigating the interplay of societal constraints, spiritual interpretation, and personal agency. Erik Gloßmann guides the reader through a world where history and storytelling are inextricably linkedranging from real-life figures like Queen Christina or Saint Bridget to legendary beings such as Norns, shield-maidens, and swan maidens. In doing so, the book reveals how female roles were reinterpreted across the agescaught between veneration, projection, and control. Far more than a mere collection of ancient tales, this work is a cultural-historical quest to uncover womens voices within a male-dominated traditionand an invitation to rediscover the past through the power of its storytelling.

Thion, Stéphane: French Compagnies d’Ordonnance, 1374-1480 38,95 €

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:40:06 +0200

Volume 10 of the series "A Time of Knights 400 CE to 1453 CE". Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the French monarchy underwent a period of profound political and institutional transformation, for which the Hundred Years' War provided both the historical context and the primary catalyst. The defeats suffered by the French knighthood, the irregularity and frequent inefficiency of feudal military service, the protracted nature of troop levies, and the emergence of new forms of warfareincluding *chevauchées*, prolonged sieges, and the growing importance of artilleryexposed the structural limitations of a military system still largely based on personal valor, noble obligation, and ties of vassalage. Against this backdrop, Charles VII initiated the process that led to the creation of a standing army; this development is associated above all with the introduction of the *compagnies dordonnance* (1445), the establishment of the *francs-archers* (1448), and the consolidation of a more structured royal artillery. However, such a transformation did not occur in a vacuum. The creation of a permanent military institutionespecially in the face of significant political and social resistancemust be understood as part of a long-term evolutionary process during which the essential administrative, fiscal, and military foundations were gradually laid. Indeed, Charles VIIs military reforms should be viewed as the culmination of a protracted process of professionalization and centralization. This book focuses on the origins and explanatory factors behind this transformation: how and why did the French monarchy replace the feudal model of military levies and the general call-to-arms (*arrière-ban*) with a more stable, paid, regulated, and centrally controlled military system permanently bound to the Crown? Accordingly, the book examines the organization, development, command structures, and military equipment of the French *compagnies dordonnance*, *francs-archers*, and artillery up to the year 1480. The study is supplemented by numerous plates and illustrations.

Dschingis Khan und die Welt der Mongolen 39,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

Companion volume to an exhibition at the Museum of Prehistory and Early History (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin) running from October 21, 2026, to April 18, 2027. Under the rule of the Mongol Great Khan Genghis Khan (12061227) and his successors, the largest empire in world history emerged within a remarkably short time, stretching from the Danube Delta to the Korean Peninsula. Through their raids, the Mongols spread fear and terror, gaining a reputation as uncivilized, murderous horse warriors. The exhibition "Genghis Khan and the World of the Mongols," on display in Berlin in 202627, examines the impact of the Mongol conquests in Europe and Mongol rule across vast regions of Eurasia, showcasing outstanding artifacts from Mongolia. The essays offer insights into the "Mongol century"a period between 1250 and 1350 that fundamentally transformed the world. A catalogue of the exhibited objects, featuring illustrations of the most significant pieces, rounds out the publication.

Redman, Alastair: Somerled, Lord of the Isles 26,95 €

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:40:04 +0200

This book illuminates the life and legacy of one of the most remarkable figures in the history of Scotland and the Hebrides. Rising from obscurity during the turbulent twelfth century, Somerled challenged Norse rule in the Hebrides and forged a realm that blended Gaelic and Norse traditions. As a warrior, statesman, and founder of a powerful dynasty, his influence extended along the entire west coast, shaping the identity of the Highlands and Islands for centuries to come. The book traces Somerleds journey from minor chieftain to "King of the Isles," examining the political, cultural, and military factors that enabled his rise. It also chronicles the establishment of the Lordship of the Isles by his descendantsa unique maritime realm that endured long after his death. Drawing on the latest archaeological and historical findings and rich in detail, *Somerled: Lord of the Isles* brings to life an era often overlooked in historical accounts. It is a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the forging of an identity deeply rooted in land and seaoffering fresh insights into the life of the man who became a legend.

Bender, Brandon M.: The Viking Conquest of England 32,95 €

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:40:04 +0200

The Viking conquest of England ranks among the darkest yet most gripping eras of medieval history; just fifty years before the Norman Conquest, Danish armies violently toppled the existing English monarchy. This remarkablethough hitherto little-studiedera was defined by political intrigue and violence, as well as bitter succession disputes, battles, uprisings, and massacres. Ultimately, four Danish kings occupied the English throne between 1013 and 1042. Viking raids on the British Isles had begun as early as the eighth century and were commonplace across much of Western Europe. However, with the emergence of the kingdoms of England and Denmark in the tenth century, the armies grew in size, and the stakes rose. At the start of the eleventh century, Danish leaders such as Thorkell the Tall and King Sweyn Forkbeard pushed English defenses to the brink of collapse. The dramatic years from 1013 to 1016 were marked by a constant see-sawing struggle between Danish invaders and English defenders, with each side gaining the upper hand only to lose the advantage soon after. By the end of 1016, however, two English kings were dead, and the Danish prince Cnut had consolidated the conquest of England. He and his sons would go on to rule the country for a generation.

Scholz, Günter: Sünden und Sehsüchte 18,00 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

A candid, unflinching look at love, lust, and moralitya sort of 16th-century Kinsey Report: the *Zimmern Chronicle*. It ranks among the most compelling yet unusual historical works of the 16th centurya source of rare immediacy that radically broadens our perspective on the late Middle Ages. Günter Scholz presents it here in a form that glosses over nothing and conceals nothing: uncensored, unexpurgated, and deeply human. At its heart is the chronicler Froben Christoph von Zimmern, who recounts not only tales of fame and honor but also stories of disgrace, passion, and the darker depths of human existence. Few other works offer such a vivid account of everyday life, love, and sexualityof desire, excess, and moral transgressions. Here, the "all-too-human" is revealed with a frankness that remains surprising even today. What makes this chronicle so unique is that the people of centuries past do not appear to us as distant historical figures, but as tangible, complex personalities. The result is a multi-layered panorama of the era around 1500 and the years that followed. This is a book that does more than just recount history; it allows us to look the people of the 16th century straight in the eye.

Gasparri, Stefano: L'assedio di Pavia 17,95 €

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:30:07 +0200

The book reconstructs a key episode in medieval Italian history: Charlemagnes conquest of Pavia following the siege of 773774. This event sealed the fall of the Lombard Kingdom to the Franks and thus laid the foundation for the emergence of the medieval empire. The study traces all available source evidence regarding this siegeabout which little direct information exists, despite its significance. It also outlines the political context of Charlemagnes campaign, examining the situation of the Frankish realm and the Lombard Kingdom under Desiderius, as well as the role of the popes. A substantial portion of the book is devoted to theoften challengingcontemporary accounts of these events and the subsequent rise of legends (even in later eras); these narratives sometimes offer fascinating insights that complement the sparse data found in the primary sources.

Predonzani, Massimo: The Battle of Anghiari, 29 June, 1440 38,95 €

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:46:55 +0200

Volume 10 of the series "A Time of Knights 400 CE to 1453 CE." The victorious outcome of the Battle of Anghiari on June 29, 1440fought between the Milanese troops of Filippo Maria Visconti and the Florentine army, supported by papal contingents and forces under the Sforzawas of enormous significance for the city of Florence. With this victory, Florence finally freed itself from the Milanese threat that, since the time of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, had plagued the "City of the Lily" and all of Tuscany with war and devastation. Florence commemorated this military success in both literature and art. Best known is the battle fresco created by Leonardo da Vinci in Florence in 1504, which is unfortunately lost today. Even more significant, however, is the painted front panel of a Florentine wedding chest (*cassone*)crafted shortly after the mid-15th century to commemorate the battlewhich is now housed in the National Gallery in Dublin. Although this is not the only contemporary work of art depicting the event, it is undoubtedly the most precise and detailed. The depicted locations and phases of the battle correspond exactly to descriptions found in contemporary sources. Furthermore, the military coats of arms shown allow for the precise identification of the infantry and cavalry of the opposing armies. Visible are the principal banners of Duke Visconti, Florence, and the Papacy, as well as the emblems of the leading commanders: the leopard of the Bracceschi, the waves of the Attendolo-Sforza, and the bear of the Orsini. The standards of numerous other commanders are also depicted; their identities have been confirmed through the analysis of contemporary chronicles, registers, and letters. Finally, the entire course of the battle has been reconstructed using color plates, supplemented by illustrations, photographs, and maps.

Esposito, Gabriele: Armies of Arthurian Britain 25,00 €

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:30:07 +0200

Following the withdrawal of Roman troops after AD 410, an era began in Britain characterized by the coexistence of competing military systems. The Britons, having become increasingly "Romanized" over the preceding centuries, retained many elements of the military organization typical of Late Antiquity; however, these merged with key components of pre-Roman Celtic tradition. In Wales, the "Romanization" of the indigenous population had never been fully realized, and the Britons there fought in a manner that had changed little since pre-Roman times. From the early 5th century AD onwards, sub-Roman Britain faced two main groups of adversaries: Celtic peoples from Scotland or Ireland and Germanic communities from the European mainland. Both groups brought with them their own distinct styles of combat and equipment rooted in their respective traditions. Gabriele Esposito provides a detailed account of the military conflicts in Britain from the mid-5th century AD through to the final phase of the Anglo-Saxon settlement. He describes the collapse of the Late Roman defensive system in Britain and explains how the sub-Roman armies of the so-called "Age of Arthur" emerged from its remnants. The author discusses current theories regarding the historicity of the figure of Arthur and presents comprehensive information on the military history of the Britons' adversaries: the Picts, Scots, Saxons, Angles, and Jutes. Particular attention is paid to the detailed description of the organization, equipment, and tactics of the various forces; numerous color photographs illustrate reconstructed weapons, armor, and clothing in practical use.

Short, William R.: Violence in Viking Society 32,95 €

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:20:08 +0200

In the public imagination, the mere mention of Vikings instantly conjures up images of bloodthirsty warriors marauding and murdering their way across the lands accessible to their dragon-prowed longships. There is scarcely a corner of the world where the Vikings are unknown or unassociated with violence. Even the timeframe of their erathe Viking Ageis defined by their violent acts: beginning with the raid on Lindisfarne in 793 and ending with the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. However, since the mid-20th century, a counter-narrative has gained ground in both academic and popular circles, suggesting that while the Vikings were certainly prone to violence, they were fundamentally peaceful farmers and traders. An earlier book by William R. Short and Reynir A. Óskarson regarding Viking combat methods provoked a fierce reaction from proponents of this revisionist view. In response, the authors have re-examined the source material to scrutinize and reassess previous interpretations. Readers are taken on an adventurous journey of discovery that analyzes the role of violence in Viking society. Were they brutal warriors or mere farmers? The authors well-founded and cogently argued reassessment deals a powerful, logical axe-blow to that argument.

Harper, Paul: Sons of Ragnar 32,95 €

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:20:08 +0200

The legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and his five famous sonsIvar, Björn, Ubbe, Halfdan, and Sigurdhave been immortalized by Norse sagas and the hit series *Vikings*. The true story of this Viking-age warrior family is equally dramatic. According to a legendary Old Norse tale, Ragnars sons led a "Great Heathen Army" to avenge their fathers death, forever changing the face of Britain. Drawing on numerous historical sources, extensive archaeological finds, and exciting new research, this work reconstructs the incredible true story of Ragnars five famous sons and examines how much truth lies within the legendary sagas. The most notorious son was Ivar the Boneless. The book sheds light on his connection to the mysterious "dark strangers" in Ireland, his infamous executions of two Anglo-Saxon kings, and a spectacular raid on an impregnable fortress in present-day Scotland. A massive skeleton discovered in a Viking mass grave at Repton is linked to Ivar, while another legend claims he was buried on the coast to deter future invaders; both fascinating theories are explored here. The book also covers Björn Ironsides notorious Mediterranean raid, as well as his ties to a Swedish dynasty and a massive burial mound in Sweden. One of the decisive battles in British historythe Battle of Cynuit, where Ubbe fought against the Anglo-Saxonsis the subject of an in-depth investigation, and the location of the Battle of Ashdown, where Halfdan clashed with Alfred the Great, is pinpointed through new research. Finally, the book addresses the intriguing question of whether shield-maidensand a figure like Lagerthaactually existed. The book also incorporates the remarkable Norse mythology that inspired Ragnars sons as they cut a swathe of destruction through Britain, Ireland, and France. Two massive Viking raids on Parisincluding one possibly led by Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, which is immortalized in a remarkable poembookend this incredible story. The first attack was led by the historical Ragnar Lothbrok

Burfield, Brian: Medieval Military Medicine 32,95 €

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:20:08 +0200

Drawing on a wide range of contemporary sourcesincluding numerous eyewitness accountsthe work first examines the medical landscape of the era and its close connection to warfare. It highlights the many discoveries and rediscoveries that emerged in response to constant improvements and innovations in weaponry. Arguably the most significant technological advancement in European warfare during this period was the introduction and evolution of firearms; these enabled armies to inflict far more severe damage on their adversaries while simultaneously driving the development of new treatment methods. Further chapters address bone fractures, as well as the disfigurements and disabilities suffered by the warriors of the age. In the mid-14th century, Europe was struck by the bubonic plagueone of the most devastating catastrophes in human historywhich flared up repeatedly in deadly waves over the ensuing years. It left a distinct mark on European armies, as did the outbreak of a virulent strain of syphilis toward the end of the 15th century; both phenomena are examined in detail here. The final chapter addresses the psychological consequences of war, considering its impact on both soldiers and the general civilian population of Europe over the course of these two and a half centuries.

Hoskins, Peter: English Armies in France during the Hundred Years' War, 1337-1453 36,95 €

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:30:07 +0200

Volume 9 of the series "A Time of Knights 400 CE to 1453 CE". "In my youth, those Britons known as the English were considered the most timid of all barbarians. Today, they are a fiercely warlike people." So wrote the Italian poet Petrarch following the "Black Prince's" victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The book *English Armies in France during the Hundred Years War, 13371453* examines the English forces that earned such a formidable reputation in France during the Hundred Years' War. It sheds light on English strategy and tactics, the raising of armies, the men who served in them, the composition of expeditionary forces and garrisons, the weaponry employed, and the maintenance of discipline. In doing so, it considers the roles of high-ranking nobles, heavily armed warriors (men-at-arms), archers, and other soldiers, as well as the evolution of army composition. Case studies of major expeditionary armies and selected garrisons illustrate how the proportion of archers steadily increased over the course of the war. Furthermore, the work examines the English recruitment system based on contractual obligations ("indentured service"); in the early years of the conflict, this produced armies far more professional than those raised under the French system, which relied largely on feudal obligations. Finally, the reforms introduced by the Frenchparticularly those under Charles VIIare analyzed; these gradually eroded the English advantage and contributed significantly to the final English defeat at Castillon in 1453.

Cristini, Luca S.: The battle of Agnadello, 14 May 1509 32,95 €

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:30:07 +0200

The Battle of Agnadello, fought on May 14, 1509, in the Ghiara d'Adda region of Lombardy, is considered one of the most famous battles of the Italian Wars and of early modern Europe. In a single afternoon of fierce fighting along the Adda River and across the fields of the Ghiara dAdda plain, the French army under King Louis XII destroyed the rearguard of the Venetian forces commanded by the *condottiero* Bartolomeo dAlviano, inflicting catastrophic losses on one of the Italian peninsula's most formidable armies. Within weeks of the battle, the Republic of Venicewhich had spent over a century building a mainland empire across northeastern and north-central Italylost virtually all its continental territories to the advancing armies of the League of Cambrai.

Peruffo, Alberto: The battle of Karuse 1270 32,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:15:07 +0200

The Battle of Karuse wasalongside the Teutonic Order's better-known defeat by the Russians on Lake Peipus in 1242another severe defeat suffered by the Order on the ice; this time on the Baltic Sea and against the Lithuanians. The local landscapes were particularly inhospitable and bleak for the foreigners who ventured to conquer them. The Battle of Karuse took place at a time when the Teutonic Order's presence in the Baltic region was threatened by uprisings among the indigenous pagan population, who achieved numerous significant victories over the Order's knights. Only the steady influx of European crusaders and the possession of key fortresses enabled the Order to hold its ground and, after decades of conflict, contribute to the conversion of the pagans to Christianity. A scarcity of source material limits historians' knowledge; the most important source is the *Livonian Rhymed Chronicle*a document produced within the Teutonic Order's sphere in the late 13th century, yet one that reveals a partisan perspective in its account of the crusaders' military campaigns.

Karl der Große und die Karolinger in Bayern 9,90 €

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:50:09 +0200

Issue 3/2026 of the "Bayerische Archäologie" series traces the footsteps of a great emperor: Charlemagne and the Carolingians in Bavaria. What changed in the late 8th century when Bavaria ceased to be an independent duchy and became a province of the Frankish Empire? How did the rural population live, and how did the nobility live? The issue covers royal palaces, churches, art, and ceramics, as well as an economic region in the Upper Palatinate where the iron industry boomed. It also features a spectacular canal construction project in Middle Franconiadesigned to facilitate travel across Central Europe and only recently subjected to extensive archaeological study: the famous "Karlsgraben" (Charlemagnes Canal).

Fry, Mark G.: Armies, Allies and Enemies of The Khmer Empire. Volume 1: The Khmer Empire and its Army 802-1430 CE 39,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Volume 8 of the series "A Time of Knights: 400 CE to 1453 CE." Drawing upon extensive and previously unpublished photographic reference material derived from the great Khmer temple complexes of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Banteay Chhmar, *Armies, Allies and Enemies of the Khmer Empire* offers the first detailed visual and organizational study of the armed forces of the Khmer Empire (8021430 CE). Designed as a comprehensive two-volume set, the series examines the armies of the Khmer "God-Kings" through a systematic analysis of hundreds of military depictions from the 11th and 12th centuries that have survived on the temple walls of Angkor in modern-day Cambodia. Volume 1 focuses on the structure, composition, equipment, and evolution of the Khmer armed forces themselves. Utilizing detailed photographic evidence, the book reconstructs Khmer military organization at every levelincluding command structures, royal guards, infantry, archers, naval forces, war elephants, cavalry, and logistical support units. It examines weaponry, armor, shields, helmets, military attire, banners, modes of transport, and ceremonial equipment, while simultaneously analyzing tactics, battle formations, siege warfare, recruitment, and the general military culture of the empire. Furthermore, the work explores the relationship between military power and the Khmer state, investigating how Angkors sophisticated hydraulic infrastructure and immense agricultural wealth sustained one of the largest urban agglomerations of the medieval world. At the zenith of its power, the Khmer Empire dominated vast tracts of mainland Southeast Asia, exercising its authority over a territory comparable in extent to that of the contemporary Byzantine Empire. Volume 2 expands the study to encompass the allies, tributaries, rivals, and enemies encountered by Khmer armies throughout Southeast Asia; it thus provides an unprecedented visual and military-historical portrayal of one of the greatestyet least understoodempires of the Middle Ages. Richly illustrated throughout, *Armies, Allies and Enemies of the Khmer Empire* combines archaeological evidence, military analysis, and visual reconstructions to form the most comprehensive study to date of Khmer warfare and military society.

Radt, Timm: Men in Blech 20,00 €

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:35:07 +0200

In the richly illustrated book *Men in Blech*, castle researcher Timm Radt provides an overview of the history of knightly armor and protective gear from the High and Late Middle Ages through the Early Modern period (11501650)presented in a vivid yet scholarly manner, free of clichés and romanticized notions. The book features profiles of approximately 25 real-life knightsnot kings or celebrities, but "ordinary" knights for whom a surviving likeness exists, typically in the form of a tomb slab (often of astonishing realism). Timm Radts illustrations depict the armorincluding its design and ornamentationin meticulous detail, bringing these historical figures to life. Thanks to the chronological arrangement of the individual portraits, readers can clearly trace the evolution of body armor (or "knightly panoply") over time. A glossary and a map indicating the origins and spheres of activity of all the featured individuals provide readers with quick and easy reference tools. *Men in Blech* reveals the origins of our modern imagery of knights while simultaneouslythrough its contemporary illustrationsengaging the reader's own imagination and fantasy. A must-read for anyone interested in the Middle Ages, castles, and knights.