The Age of Gunpowder

I am currently gathering data for a new unit in my project. I found John F. Guilmartin's book, "Gunpowder and Galleys," to be quite informative. It explains why navies took so long to incorporate artillery effectively and discusses the changes in ship construction that transformed galleys into floating artillery platforms.

I have released an updated version of the first chapter of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East:"

https://www.academia.edu/127139711/What_if_the_Earth_Is_the_Sphere

This chapter argues that the concept of a spherical Earth was accepted during the Middle Ages. However, many medieval scholars viewed our planet as the fixed center of a revolving universe, often reconciling their beliefs with experimental evidence.

Keywords: John Gower, John of Hollywood, Venerable Bede, Gautier de Metz, John Mandeville, Martin Behaim, Christopher Columbus

On February 2, I will deliver a new Zoom lecture in Russian based on my paper:

https://www.academia.edu/124564608/The_Umayyad_Siege_of_Constantinople_717_718_

The lecture will focus on the siege of Constantinople, which endured a thirteenth-month assault on land and a naval blockade. I will explain why the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire proved difficult to conquer, even against the superior Umayyad forces. I will attribute the Byzantine victory to their skillful resource management, advanced maritime tactics, and support from their Bulgar allies. Additionally, I will contest the notion that the Greek fire was used and will present several alternative explanations.

Keywords: Umayyad Caliphate, Constantinople, Maslama, Leo III, Theodosian Walls, dromon, Greek fire

 

The Siege of Chandax (2)

My new paper is "out in print" after undergoing thorough editing. This chapter examines the history of Chandax, the capital of the Emirate of Crete (820s-961), and its recapture by the Byzantine army led by General Nikephoros Phokas. The author seeks to align the evidence gathered from both Byzantine and Arab chronicles. Additionally, he includes details about the use of trebuchets, the establishment of military encampments, and the methods used to undermine the walls of citadels.

https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961

I have re-edited the opening chapter of my second book, titled "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." The paper "What If the Earth Is a Sphere" examines medieval geography and includes numerous examples and illustrations. It demonstrates that medieval scholars viewed the Earth as a spherical body at the center of a rotating universe. I plan to upload an excerpt from this paper in three weeks. Additionally, I have begun preparing a Zoom lecture about the siege of Constantinople by an Arab army in 717-718, which will be based on my article.

https://www.academia.edu/124564608/The_Umayyad_Siege_of_Constantinople_717_718_

Currently, I am still gathering data on naval guns and related topics. I am reading an intriguing book titled "The Sea in History: Medieval Period," which features many compelling articles about seafaring.