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A deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounded a castle, fortification, building, or town, intended to provide a preliminary line of defense. Widely used from the 9th to 17th centuries.

Personal body armor made from large metal plates, culminating in the iconic suit of armor entirely encasing the wearer. It was used by cavalry and knights from the late 13th century onwards.

A ranged weapon that consisted of a horizontal bow mounted on a stock that shot projectiles, called bolts or quarrels. It played an important role from the 10th to the 12th centuries and beyond.

A type of armor consisting of small, interlinked rings that formed a mesh-like protective garment. It provided flexible protection without greatly impeding movement and was widely used from the 4th to the 16th centuries.

The governor or custodian of a castle or fortification, responsible for its defense and administration. Castellans were prominent figures during the medieval period, particularly from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

A hand weapon consisting of a handle joined by a chain to one or more heads, often spiked, that was swung to deliver powerful blows. Its real significance in medieval combat remains a subject of historical debate.

A specialized siege engine constructed to protect attackers while they ascended the walls of a fortification. It was particularly prevalent during siege warfare in the Middle Ages.

A form of constant, sometimes prolonged attack intended to capture fortified places. It involved various siege engines and techniques, prevalent from the 5th to the 15th century.

A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period, most notably against Muslims in the Levant from 1096 to 1271.

A horse bred and trained for battle. Known for its strength, stamina, and training, the war horse carried knights into battle during the medieval period.

A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army, group, or nation. Mercenaries were a common part of medieval warfare, sometimes forming entire companies or brigades.

The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. Knights were expected to be courageous in battle and loyal to their lord and the church. Developed between the 11th and 16th centuries.

A powerful type of bow that was a significant weapon in medieval warfare, especially famous for its use by the English against the French during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453).

A type of catapult or siege engine used in medieval warfare for hurling large stones or other projectiles. It was mainly used during the 9th to 12th centuries.

A martial game or hastilude between two horsemen wielding lances with blunted tips, often as part of a tournament. It was popular from the 11th to the 16th centuries.

A siege engine that saw widespread use in the Middle Ages. It consisted of a large log, sometimes capped with a metal head, which was used to break down doors and fortifications. Used between the 5th and 16th centuries.

A soldier who used a pike, a very long thrusting spear, in formations to repel cavalry charges and to break up infantry lines. Pike units were most prominent in the 14th to 17th centuries.

A type of siege engine which used a swinging arm to throw a projectile at enemy walls or troops. It was a formidable weapon during the Middle Ages from the 12th to the 15th century.

An anti-personnel and anti-cavalry weapon made up of two or more sharp nails or spines arranged in such a manner that one of them always points upward. They were used from antiquity through the medieval period.

The social system in medieval Europe where the nobility held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service, and vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles, while the peasants were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him labour, and a share of the produce. This system flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries.

An ancient missile weapon that launched a large projectile at a distant target. Originally developed by the Greeks, it was employed throughout the Roman Empire and into the medieval period until about the 14th century.

The fortified tower of a castle, acting as its last refuge in case of attack or siege. Keeps were a common feature of castles throughout the medieval period.

The system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated. It was used to identify knights in battle and in tournaments, most popular from the 12th to the 17th centuries.

A man who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armor. Knights existed from about the 9th to 17th centuries and were central figures in medieval warfare and society.