Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Design, technology and history of key fortresses, strategic positions and defensive systems. Each book examines the history, evolution, military architecture and natural setting of the world's most important fortification systems. Cutaway artwork and exploded diagrams reveal the key features of each subject. The stone castles described, assessed and illustrated in this book were built by the Teutonic Knights in order to pacify the regions now known as Latvia and Estonia, in the wake of the territory's forced conversion to Christianity.
Synopsis
Following on from Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (1) which looked at the red-brick castles of Prussia, this second volume focuses on the stone castles of the Baltic states that are now Latvia and Estonia. In the 12th century a military order, the Brethren of the Sword, was founded to provide protection for Christian priests and missionaries who were spreading Christianity among the Baltic states. However, their actions soon went beyond this with attacks on the indigenous population and campaigns against encroaching neighbours such as Lithuania and Russia. This book details the origins, development and history of this order which later became incorporated into the Teutonic Knights. In particular Stephen Turnbull looks at the development of fortifications established to consolidate their conquests, their defensive features, how they operated and how they adapted to changes in the way warfare was carried out, such as the increased importance of gunpowder. Full of photos, illustrations, plans and reconstruction drawings by Peter Dennis.
About the Author
Stephen Turnbull has published several books on the subject of warfare in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, and has developed a strong interest in Eastern European armies such as the Hussites and Muscovy. His books are always based on extensive scholarly research coupled with in depth study tours of the countries he is describing.