Recapping the World History Seminar “Late Medieval War: Technological Triumphs and Medical Challenges” on 27 January 2026

On 27 January 2026, Prof. Ilana KRUG from York College of Pennsylvania delivered a talk in the World History Seminar entitled “Late Medieval War: Technological Triumphs and Medical Challenges.” The talk explored how innovations in warfare between roughly 1300 and 1500 brought about both significant technological advancements and severe human costs.

Drawing on textual, archaeological, and visual sources, the talk highlighted several key technological developments during the Hundred Years’ War. The English longbow, with its high draw weight and rapid rate of fire, caused physical deformities in archers due to repetitive strain, while inflicting terror and devastating wounds on enemies. Gunpowder weapons, originally introduced from China, evolved dramatically in the fifteenth century. First, corning made the gunpowder more powerful and reliably active. Second, there were changes in cannon design, such as larger bores capable of firing massive stone projectiles. These cannons rendered traditional siege engines obsolete and contributed to French victories, most notably at Castillon in 1453. Meanwhile, armor evolved from chain mail to full plate, offering improved protection and greater comfort.

Such advances dramatically increased battlefield lethality. Skeletal evidence from sites such as Towton (1461) reveals brutal cranial wounds, often inflicted by polearms or arrows, with many wounds likely sustained while soldiers were fleeing without helmets. Despite the violence, Prof. KRUG also emphasized medical developments during this period. Battlefield first aid was common among soldiers, and from the early fifteenth century onward, surgeons and physicians increasingly accompanied armies. They supervised the procurement of medicines and supplies and provided direct treatment to the wounded. Since death was often caused by infection rather than the initial injury, honey—valued for its antiseptic properties—was likely a staple in wound care. However, Prof. KRUG reminded the audience that no medical technique or remedy was miraculous—not even honey.  Ultimately, technological progress made late medieval warfare more deadly than ever before.