The Crusader States in Context
The crusader states, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries, were enclaves of Christian control in the Levant, roughly corresponding to modern Israel and Lebanon. These states were surrounded by hostile territories, leading to a continuous state of warfare as Muslims called for jihad to push the 'interlopers' from their land. Despite being outnumbered, the crusader states managed to remain resilient due to two significant military innovations: the fighting box and the adoption of mounted archers.The Fighting Box
The fighting box was a formation designed to maximize effectiveness against the light cavalry used by the Turks. It consisted of a central core of the most vulnerable components: the baggage train, sick, and wounded, surrounded by mounted knights. The knights were then surrounded by infantry with shields. This formation allowed the army to move and defend effective stations while maintaining strict discipline.The key feature of the fighting box was its reliance on discipline. The troops had to march and fight in unison without gaps or tiring. The infantry needed to keep their shields closed, similar to a Spartan phalanx, creating a solid front against the rapid arrows of the Turks.
Historical Application: Acre to Jaffa
The most well-known example of the fighting box's success was the march from Acre to Jaffa during the Third Crusade. Richard the Lionheart, though skilled in deploying the formation, was not the original inventor. The Franks of Outremer had been using this tactic for nearly 100 years, contributing significantly to their resilience and respect for infantry in Frankish society.Discipline and Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the fighting box relied heavily on strict discipline. Any breakdown in this discipline would result in catastrophic outcomes, as seen at the Battle of Hattin. This formation not only protected the armies but also maintained their fighting strength by rotating front-line units.The Introduction of Mounted Archers
Another crucial innovation was the integration of mounted archers into the crusader armies. In Western Europe, there was no tradition of mounted archers due to the high cost of maintaining suitable horses and the terrain unsuitable for this type of warfare.The Middle East, however, was perfect for breeding, rearing, and deploying light cavalry. The Turks, the enemy of the crusader states, were masters of this warfare. The fighting box, while protecting the heavy cavalry for a massed charge, was ineffective for other operations. The crusaders needed light cavalry for reconnaissance, hit-and-run raids, and protection of their formations.
The Role of Turcopoles
The "Turcopoles," as these troops were called, were essentially mounted archers of diverse ethnic backgrounds. They were not Muslim converts nor children of mixed marriages but primarily native Orthodox Christians or some Frankish settlers. By 1109, references to these troops are found in the primary sources.The term "Turcopole" referred to 'mounted archers' and not to an ethnic group as it is often misinterpreted. These troops played a significant role in the military successes of the Frankish armies, operating independently and in support of infantry and heavy cavalry. They contributed substantially to the survival of the crusader states despite being vastly outnumbered.