Q&A #12: How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages?

As the Eternal City's power waned, enemies closed in. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly delve into two devastating sieges of Rome — one led by the Goths, the other by the Vandals.

In this episode of the podcast, Michael and Kelly let us know where they have been the last few months - and this includes going to a lot of medieval castles and cities. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists Bow & Blade is hosted by  Kelly DeVries is an Emeritus Professor at Loyola University in Maryland and Honorary Historical Consultant at the Royal Armouries.  Michael Livingston teaches at The Citadel and is the author of numerous books on medieval history as well as fiction novels.

In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including: Which medieval sites should one visit in southern England and Wales? Was Gilles de Rais guilty of being a mass-murderer? How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages?   You can support this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists    

The Ottomans launch another siege against the city of Belgrade. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Kelly and Michael explore how Suleiman the Magnificent and his forces ultimately achieved victory. We have several new online courses starting up, including Medieval Warfare in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia with Nicholas Morton. Click here to see all our online courses on Thinkific.

The Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed II, clashes with Hungarian and Serbian forces under John Hunyadi. In this episode of Bow & Blade, we examine the first of two sieges that took place in Belgrade. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Joan of Arc continues to put the English on the run. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael examine this battle from the Hundred Years' War and how big a factor the Maid of Orleans was in this French victory. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists

King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons' War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists  

In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including: When did jousting and tournaments become irrelevant to training for warfare (and become more of a professional sport)?  How much training did medieval soldiers have? How were soldiers selected for the various roles in the military? How can one have a career in medieval studies? You can support this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists  

At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. One of the key moments of the war would take place at Bryn Glas. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Huge armies clash as the Ottoman sultan sultan Bayezid I faced off against the emir of the Timurid Empire, Timur. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at the battle and the account of the fighting by Johann Schiltberger. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists