Origins of Warfare and Military Strategy

While writing Royal Blood and my sequel and second novel Toast of Blood, I drew much inspiration from Ancient Rome and their military tactics. Attitudes towards success in the Middle Ages were very similar to how they were in Ancient Rome; being a skilled warrior was considered the fast track toward gaining status, influence, and power. 

Although initially Raven D’ Axelgard of Royal Blood was a derelict seeking to indulge in the pleasures of the world, he stepped up to the plate upon ascending the throne in Axelgard. He could not have accomplished what he did without military strategy to protect Axelgard, and even himself.

Arguably one of the most well known and admired military strategists in Ancient Rome was Julius Caesar, and so it comes as no surprise that I am inspired by this historical figure. Researching Caesar helped to guide me to create medieval warfare in Royal Blood and Toast of Blood. 

An Oath Taken

Although Raven was always a decent fighter, he was known for having addictions to vices that he just couldn’t give up, and as a youngster Raven suffered because of it. His addictions ultimately put a hold on his military career. Later on however, he learned to accept responsibility and agreed to become protector and leader of his country, Axelgard. He makes a promise to King Riveth that he cannot break. But he could not have done it without ample military prowess.

Like the Ancient Romans, once he became king, he too sought to build alliances,  and gain favor with his fellow soldiers. Alliances formed with other nations could make or break a country, and having strong and trustworthy warriors on a king’s side helps a country gain power and advantage over their enemies. All in all, success during the middle ages was often measured in military prowess and Raven seeks to fulfill this role and gain accolades, territory, and ultimately peace through war.

Of Power and War

Success in the military was a key way to gain respect and prestige in medieval society. Reverence and a rise in social status could be achieved through prowess on the battlefield. The feudal system in the middle ages was known to promote loyalty and military service by nobles or vassals, who in return received land and protection for their services.

During this time period warfare shaped the society in which they lived. The primary ways of achieving wealth in this time period was through acquiring and managing land, which more often than not was achieved through military success. Feudal obligations, such as providing support on the battlefield to a lord could lead to rewards such as lands and titles. In addition, one of the key ways royal families established their dominance is through military conquest.

Brains Of The Operation

Wars cannot be won without intelligent strategic planning and a thorough understanding of how life on the battlefield works. Much of the military tactics that Raven uses are inspired by Ancient Roman military strategies, and much of the success and evolution of warfare can be traced back to Julius Caesar. In fact, Ceasar used military tactics that have significantly impacted and shaped medieval warfare. 

Key military strategies utilized by the Roman conqueror included: legionary tactics, speed and mobility, siege warfare, and psychological warfare. Medieval leaders followed strategies created by Caesar which were adapted to the leader’s own personal circumstances on the battlefield. Disciplined formations, rapid maneuvers, and effective use of fortifications laid a foundation for warfare in the middle ages. 

Ancient and Medieval Warfare

Let’s take a look at different ways to wage war. There were specific battle techniques which were utilized in each time period. Ancient techniques include phalanx formations, chariots, and siege engines. During the middle ages strategies used were shield walls, cavalry charges, and siege warfare.

Originating from Greece, the phalanx formation consists of a block of heavily armed infantry soldiers who stand shoulder to shoulder. They were equipped with a large shield and a spear or pike. Soldiers in the frontline would hold a spear horizontally and those standing in the rear would hold it vertically. The phalanx formation creates an effective defensive wall and maximizes offensive capabilities.

Chariots revolutionized ancient warfare as well as symbolized power and prestige. The utilization of this invention allowed for rapid movement across the battlefield, making quick strikes and retreats possible. It was ideal for outmaneuvering enemy forces. Archers could gain advantage by shooting arrows from the chariots while moving. Shock combat was made possible to charge enemy lines. Also, it provided a beneficial vantage point for high ranking officers who oversaw the battlefield and were able to issue orders.

Siege engines were used in ancient times to breach city walls, towers, and break through or circumvent fortified structures during war. Kinds of siege engines include ballistae, catapults, and battering rams. These machines were also used during the middle ages and played a crucial role in warfare. Trebuchets, catapults, and battering rams were used to hurl projectiles like rocks and firebombs over castle walls and fortresses. Eventually siege engines were replaced by cannons following the introduction of gunpowder during the middle ages.

Shield walls were a highly effective military strategy involving soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder with their shields interlocking. It creates a continuous wall of shields with no gap in between. The interlocking shields provide effective protection against enemy projectiles, including arrows and spears. Soldiers in the front row hold up the shield, protecting against incoming attacks. Then the soldiers in the row behind them would thrust swords or spears over the top of the shield to attack.

Cavalry charges would consist of a line of heavily armored knights on horseback with the front ranks equipped with lances, while the rear ranks would carry swords or other melee weapons. As commanded the cavalry would charge starting at a trot and then would gradually increase their pace to a gallop, a technique that was key to gaining momentum, which was necessary for an effective charge. This attack was used to break through enemy lines, causing injuries such as impaling people with lances or stomping soldiers underfoot. Close combat was quick to follow with weapons such as swords or maces.

The goal of siege warfare was to force enemies to surrender, which would have been through the use of siege engines during battle. Surrender could potentially happen after walls, gates, and other defensive structures are breached and allows soldiers to invade castles.

Conclusion

Nations are built upon warfare and the military leaders that make it possible through developing their careers on the battlefield. Figures like Raven and Julius Caesar used their prowess to defeat their enemies and strengthen their nations, further adding to their own personal prestige and power by doing so. Our world is a giant puzzle with the pieces of it carved out by swords of numerous powerful military leaders. Raven defends Axelgard using his knowledge of the shield wall, cavalry charges, siege engines and more.

To learn more about Raven D’ Axelgard and medieval style warfare read Royal Blood. Stay tuned for Toast of Blood, which brings its own bloodshed and glory to the table: https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Blood-Raven-Axelgard-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0BM6SK9S5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KDZRXOQ6OSF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7YEaUZLwrPtj-V3vq14dnOUmdS2xxrxjuTRTMJcOYcXGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.oaLgaQf3Awq7akslhZRK6DUJmUj-Hc6QElpz2eV_VEc&dib_tag=se&keywords=royal+blood+monique+kemper&qid=1741987008&sprefix=royal+blood+monique+kemper%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-1