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Military Equipment in The Islamic Eastern Mediterranean 10th 14th Centuries

This chapter examines the evolution of military equipment in the Islamic Eastern Mediterranean from the 10th to 14th centuries, highlighting influences from Byzantine, Roman, and Turkish technologies. It discusses the types of armor and weapons used, the importance of imported materials, and the role of state-run arsenals and skilled craftsmen in production. The conclusion emphasizes the integration of foreign technologies and the significance of professional soldiers and trade in enhancing military strength during this period.

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32 views9 pages

Military Equipment in The Islamic Eastern Mediterranean 10th 14th Centuries

This chapter examines the evolution of military equipment in the Islamic Eastern Mediterranean from the 10th to 14th centuries, highlighting influences from Byzantine, Roman, and Turkish technologies. It discusses the types of armor and weapons used, the importance of imported materials, and the role of state-run arsenals and skilled craftsmen in production. The conclusion emphasizes the integration of foreign technologies and the significance of professional soldiers and trade in enhancing military strength during this period.

Uploaded by

25784
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Military Equipment in the

Islamic Eastern
Mediterranean (10th-14th
Centuries)
This chapter explores the development, manufacture, and importation of
military equipment in the Islamic Eastern Mediterranean4covering regions
like Egypt and Syria4from the 10th to the 14th centuries.
Technological Heritage and Influences

Byzantine and Roman Turkish and Central Asian Adaptability and Integration
Influence Technology Islamic civilizations showed a
Byzantine and Roman military Turkish and Central Asian remarkable ability to adapt military
technologies continued to influence technology played a growing role, technologies from other cultures
Islamic arms, especially in helmets especially in the form of lamellar (e.g., Chinese, Persian, Indian, and
and armor design. armor and advanced composite European).
bows.
Types of Equipment: Armor
Lamellar Armor Description
Lamellar armor (composed of small iron plates) became This type of armor was constructed from small, overlapping
widely used and sophisticated. plates, typically made of iron, laced together in horizontal
rows. It offered excellent protection while allowing for
flexibility, making it suitable for both mounted and foot
soldiers. Its widespread adoption in the Islamic Eastern
Mediterranean highlights its effectiveness and the advanced
craftsmanship involved in its production.
Types of Equipment: Weapons
Infantry Weapons Composite Bows
Infantry weapons included iron swords, bows, and early forms Composite bows4featuring materials like horn and sinew4
of crossbows. were essential for both Arab and Turkish armies.
Materials & Trade
Military production depended heavily on imported raw materials, like:

1 2 3

Iron Timber Leather and Horn


(from India, Yemen, and (for bows, shields, ships) (for armor and bows)
Transoxiana)

Long-distance trade routes connected the Islamic world with Europe, Africa, India, and Central Asia for military needs.
Manufacturing and State Involvement

Skilled Craftsmen
Centralized Control Skilled craftsmen and armorers had a
State-Run Arsenals The more centralized a state, the high status and were often organized
Weapons were often made in state- more it directly controlled arms into specialized guilds or
run arsenals (e.g., the Fatimid and manufacturing. departments.
Mamluk arsenals).
Special Military Practices
Mounted archery and professional soldiering were emphasized in both
Ayyubid and Mamluk armies.
Mamluk arsenals stored large quantities of arms and had departments
for specific military gear (e.g., horse equipment, decorated armor).
The nafaqa system ensured soldiers received supplies during
campaigns, making logistics more efficient.
Economy and Cost of Arms

Costly Production Price Fluctuations Soldier Responsibility


Arms production was costly and Chronicles mention a significant Soldiers were often expected to
resource-intensive. rise in prices during times of maintain and repair their own gear,
conflict, such as the Mongol especially in elite units.
invasions.
Conclusion
Islamic military strength from the 10th to 14th centuries was not only due to local innovation but also to:

Widespread imports of strategic materials.


Adaptability of Islamic societies to integrate foreign technologies.
The role of professional soldiers, state arsenals, and long-distance trade in maintaining military superiority.

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