Anglo-Saxon Military

Anglo-Saxon military organization is difficult to analyze. This is because there are many contrasting records, as well as many debates by modern historians as to the precise occurrences and procedures. Anglo-Saxon England was known for its tumultuous nature and the constant presence of outside threats and dangers made it necessary for a solid military to constantly be in place. Even though there is some controversy as to the accurate forms of military organization, one is able to deduce some aspects of from the records that have been preserved. Though the clarity of the military organization has been lost, it is still very prominent in Anglo-Saxon society.

Tactics and Strategies

There were many tactics and strategies that were used. There was a division between armies who fought on land and on sea. In some instances, the two would combine their efforts to provide a more effective defense against the approaching armies. In this instance, the water-borne fyrds would strategically place their seamen on the shore or would arm themselves to provide a suitable defense towards the oncoming attackers.

Anglo-Saxon land battle tactics have also spawned much debate. The conflict lies in how the armies fought. Some historians believe that horses were used, though most argue that the battles took place on foot. Infantry battles are reported in many texts from the period, though it is also written.

The strength of the Anglo-Saxon army is another issue which cannot be agreed upon by scholars. Some believe that the army was weak and only used infantry as a means of defense and battle; whereas others believe that the army was much more powerful, employing both infantry and cavalry. The former argument suggests that the infantry was great but did not have very much power. The Anglo-Saxons did not carry many strong weapons, but they did have archers as their early literature relates. Also, only some of the men who were sent to battle (specifically the select fyrd) were actually trained to fight. Because of this a lot of Anglo-Saxon fighting is seen as having been disorganized and fruitless.

There are some battles in which scholars generally agree on which tactics and methods were used. The Battle of Hastings, in 1066, demonstrates some interesting military tactics. At Hastings, the soldiers were organized in such a fashion that the best soldiers were in the front line, and the less adequate fighters in the following lines. They formed a tightly packed wall, protecting the areas behind them. Though this seems like a rather ineffective method, it was in fact rather effective at repelling the Norman Cavalry. This strategy was also used in the battle of Sherston in 1016, only with a slight difference. Instead of simply standing in a solitary position, the army moved to the opposing line as a large solid group. They moved very slowly and managed to maintain their formation while advancing on the enemy. This tactic was further developed and used in the crusades. The same procedure would take place, however at an eventual point in the advance; a hole would open in the wall of soldiers to allow a charge of cavalry to attack the opposition. Military tactics did develop gradually throughout the Anglo-Saxon period. Though there is still much debate as to how efficient the soldiers and the fighting was, it is clear that as the ages progressed, so to did the power and intelligence of the army.

ee also

*Battle of Maldon
*Battle of Dyrham
*Battle of Edington

References

*Campbell, James, Eric John, and Patrick Wormald. The Anglo-Saxons. Ithaca: Cornell University P, 1982. 59-201.
*Fisher, D J. The Anglo-Saxon Age. Aberdeen: Longman Group Limited, 1973. 220-340.
*Hollister, C. Warren. Anglo-Saxon Military Institutions. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1962. 18-152.
*Levick, Ben. [http://www.regia.org/saxons2.htm "Saxon Military Organisation."] Regia Anglorum. 31 Mar. 2003. Regia Anglorum Publications. 30 Oct. 2006