Civilians & Warfare

For the final issue of this year, we decided to explore a slightly darker theme: warfare. Specifically: civilians. This time, we wanted to approach war from its forgotten “participants.” While much has been made of famous kings, generals, mercenaries, and captives, the average person caught in the middle of these battles was often overlooked.

The men, women, and children who were most affected by medieval warfare were frequently forced to give up their homes and hand over their crops, goods, and property to fund a war machine at the whims of powerful men.

In this issue, we get a first-hand account by Byzantine historian Niketas Choniates (1155–1217) of the sheer terror faced by the inhabitants of Constantinople when the Venetians sacked it in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade. We also look at the capture and ransom of women captives during the Crusades. Then, we examine the unwilling participants and the military logistics behind warfare in England during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. What did the supply chain look like? What were the economic costs to non-combatants? Last but not least in our theme, we look at an unusual “weapon” of war: a rose-colored chemise called the ‘Sancta Camisa’ that was purported to have protective powers!

Outside of this rather morose topic, there is something a little more cheerful to read: an interview with Reconstructing History’s Kass McGann about her 20+ year journey recreating accurate historical clothing. Then we explore the strange pagan connections in Irish hagiographies, such as the story of St. Brigit and her aversion to a druid’s milk. Finally, we end on a spooky note with the myth of the Selkona.

We hope you have a peaceful Christmas, or if you celebrate in other ways at this time of year, a safe and joyous holiday season.