Islamic Warfare 661 - 1258
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Transcript of Islamic Warfare 661 - 1258
Islamic Warfare661 - 1258
Umayyad Dynasty (661-750)
Chipping away at Byzantine Empire Emphasized Archery (Shower Shooting) The use of camel herds as barriers Creation of cavalry (captured armor and horses) Use of all types of peoples, ex-Roman soldiers,
Christians. As territory is taken, those people join. Abbasids oppose secular views and remove Umayyad in
750.
Mamluk Dynasty 1250-1517AD
Mamluks were backbone of Ayyubid Dynasty. Fighting Crusaders and other opposition. Consolidated power in Egypt. Gave lower-class aristocratic positions.
Tactics
Usually fighting technologically superior knights. Guerilla style warfare Minimize the use of horse for knights by choosing soft, or
sandy ground. Heavy use of archers.
Arms and Armor
Armor itself was lighter, less extensive. Speed over protection. Hot climate. Mostly using mail shirts. Outdated in Europe. Plates for vambraces, greaves and helmets. Later there were plates woven together with mail.
Continued
Helmets had a distinct conical shape. Looks somewhat similar to the roof of a mosque. Shields were made almost entirely out of metal.
Weapons
Scimitar Javelins Battle Axe Mace Recurve Bow
Decoration and Symbolism
Weapons and armor were decorated using floral or animal designs.
Use of Islamic text or calligraphy.