Sean McGlynn investigates the reality of medieval warfare. For all the talk of chivalry, medieval warfare routinely involved acts which we would consider war crimes. Lands laid waste, civilians slaughtered, prisoners massacred: this was standard fare justified by tradition and practical military nec[...]

John became king in 1199 and although all medieval kings had constantly to worry about financial issues, it is the inept way that John dealt with his that caused so much resentment. John lost his military campaigns; he was corrupt, indulged in blackmail, and manipulated the justice system more than [...]