STRATEGY & TACTICS QUARTERLY #33: Armies of the Dark Ages

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In-depth examination of warfare in the twilight era of the Roman Empire and beginning of the Dark Ages (roughly, AD 476 to 732), centering around the legendary King Arthur. The central theme is the relative efficiency of the warlord armies of this era as the older Roman professional system fell apart in the wake of the barbarian invasions. Analyzes the weapons and tactics of the era, as well as the rise of great military leaders. Details Badon Hill (Britons against the Saxons), Nechtansmere (Anglo-Saxons against the Picts which decided the fate of what would become Scotland), and Tours (Charles Martel against the Arabs). Contrasts the contemporary Byzantine military system and professional generals such as Belisarius. Also covers various Arthurian legends and how they influenced warfare from the Middle Ages to the modern day.