During the shift from the Hallstatt to the La Tène period, we can observe through the archaeological record the upcoming importance of iron in the central European Celtic culture. The ample...Show moreDuring the shift from the Hallstatt to the La Tène period, we can observe through the archaeological record the upcoming importance of iron in the central European Celtic culture. The ample discovery of long swords, daggers, spearheads and other sorts of weaponry, suggests a significant value given to these items of war. Lavished burials and large votive deposits in water-bodies such as the renowned lake of La Tène, provide us with an ever growing record. When we zoom in on the Celtic long sword, we can observe an interesting commonly found feature, namely punch marks. These are small, round marks occurring on the blade of some of the long swords and can be found as single marks, sometimes two, or occasionally even three marks on a single blade. Recurring themes on these punchmarks are animals which were more often depicted in the Celtic world. Interestingly, zoomorphic marks only represent boars, birds, horses or bulls, yet considering the large range of animals that were included in La Tène art, there must have been a specific meaning linked to these animals. For the larger part, these animals have a clear explanation as to why they are depicted on these items of warfare; the boars for their ferocity and violence, the horses for their use in combat, and the bulls for their strength and impressive stature. When we look at birds, the scavenger birds such as ravens were renowned for their pitilessness and them being the scavengers of war. However, when we look at the six known bird-like punch marks, we can identify three of them as being scavenger birds, and three of them as being a waterbird-like species. In this research, I will be solely focusing on three punch marks, which are situated on swords found in Ilbesheim, Heuchelheim and La Tène, and I will attempt to establish a clear linkage between the symbols and warfare. The observed fact that there are waterbird-like symbols on swords, raises the question what the linkage between waterbirds and warfare could be, and if we are actually able to attempt to give meaning to their symbolism. Hence, my main question arose, i.e. can a clear linkage between the Celtic waterbird imagery and warfare be established through the use of contextual analysis of similar Celtic waterbird imagery? And if I cannot establish a clear linkage to warfare, are there any other linkages that can be made?Show less
This thesis examinates the role of PMCs in international intervention and in what ways this can explain the differences in reconciliation efforts in instances of misconduct by PMCs and regular...Show moreThis thesis examinates the role of PMCs in international intervention and in what ways this can explain the differences in reconciliation efforts in instances of misconduct by PMCs and regular troops. In order to do this, this paper's analysis is focused on the reconciliation efforts made by the U.S. government in cases of misconduct that took place during the Iraq War between 2003-2011.Show less
In this thesis, I will explore, on an intellectual and sensory level, the ways in which the night time was perceived and utilised in the context of ancient Greek warfare. By ascertaining what...Show moreIn this thesis, I will explore, on an intellectual and sensory level, the ways in which the night time was perceived and utilised in the context of ancient Greek warfare. By ascertaining what activities took place during the night time of the 4th century BC, in a military context, it will become possible to understand more about how the experience of the night was used and presented in antiquity. I will argue that far from being desolate and empty of human presence, the ancient night was a significant time for military activity and that it was in fact used in a variety of interesting ways that are not served by the rather simplistic image of nocturnal ‘colonisation’ presented in Histories of the Early Modern period.Show less
In 1355-56 Count William V confronted the Bishop of Utrecht with a fully mounted force. Both sides raided and skirmished to control strongholds on the major rivers (Rhine and Waal) and to encircle...Show moreIn 1355-56 Count William V confronted the Bishop of Utrecht with a fully mounted force. Both sides raided and skirmished to control strongholds on the major rivers (Rhine and Waal) and to encircle Utrecht. The final offensive of the count was a chevauchee of almost 3000 horses, which forced the Bishops surrender in June 1356. The forces collected by the count were mostly from Guelders and Holland but also from other principalities which bordered the great rivers. Their interest in trade and tolls is likely to have been a key factor to explain their involvement.Show less
What is war to whom? The troops roaming on Java in the late seventeenth century were of all shapes and colours. Some came from Sulawesi, some from Madura; some were religious others acquisitive....Show moreWhat is war to whom? The troops roaming on Java in the late seventeenth century were of all shapes and colours. Some came from Sulawesi, some from Madura; some were religious others acquisitive. Usually they operated in small units known as war-bands led by a warlord. Despite the differences between these war-bands, many of them did gather and fight under a single banner. Often they hurdled behind overlords -sunans or sultans- who were in need for additional brawn; a competitive market of martial supply and demand resulted. The king with the most men usually won. Even the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was part of this market and relied on indigenous patrol. In 1677, the Company decided to support the Central Javanese realm called Mataram and thus landed in a diplomatic struggle for troops. This thesis wonders how VOC men reported on these warriors and what clues are given of a Javanese military labour market at odds with the European one. The Dutch commanders would soon find out drawing in allies was as important as winning battles; the extent to which they could enter the networks of warlords and rulers thereby determined much of their victory. This thesis tells how far they did in the two chaotic and bloody years of 1677 and 1678.Show less
The theory of the Military Revolution sees military innovation in Europe in the early modern period. Some historians such as Geoffry Parker have argued that due to these kind of innovations, Europe...Show moreThe theory of the Military Revolution sees military innovation in Europe in the early modern period. Some historians such as Geoffry Parker have argued that due to these kind of innovations, Europe could rule over other continents. A comparison is made in this thesis between the conquest of New Mexico and New Granada and military innovation of the sixteenth century. To further research the matter, a battleground in the northern parts of the Low Countries during the Dutch Revolt is also taken into consideration.Show less
