Panzerreiter im Pfeilhagel? Anmerkungen zu militartechnischer Differenz und Annäherung von Orient und Okzident im Zeitalter der Kreuzzüge

摘要

This paper deals with a hitherto neglected subject: the transfer of weapons, armaments, strategy and tactics between the Orient and the Occident at the time of the Crusades. Whereas earlier research often assumed western superiority on the battlefield, some scholars now believe that the two sides were to a large extent equal. In contrast to these extreme positions, this paper posits a mutual influence of Crusaders and Muslims in warfare and military technology. This influence was not, however, equal in scope to the cultural, scientific and economic transfers between the Orient and the Occident in the Middle Ages. An analysis of the military exchange must consider the influence of economic, social and cultural developments as well as geographic conditions.