The Fortress of Rhodes 1309–1522

by Nossov, Konstantin; Delf, Brian

• ISBN13: 9781846039300
• ISBN10: 1846039304
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-06-22
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

The city of Rhodes has been known since antiquity, but its colossal fortifications date back to the Knights Hospitaller who ruled the city from 1309 to 1522. The fortress of Rhodes served as the headquarters of the Order of St John and as a base for its military and naval forces. The formidable walls and bastions that protected the city show how new defences were evolving to withstand the impact of modern gunpowder weapons. This book examines the fortress of Rhodes in intricate detail, following the development of defensive features over time. It also provides a dramatic account of the two sieges that put them to the ultimate test. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Konstantin Nossov is a researcher in and advisor on ancient and medieval arms, armour and warfare, as well as the author of numerous books and articles on the subject. His particular areas of interest include the history of weapons, fortification and siege warfare. He has lived all his life in Moscow, Russia, and has traveled extensively in Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Asia Minor and the Far East. Konstantin has written several Osprey books, as well as other English language titles and numerous books in Russian.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Chronology	p. 7
Design and Development	p. 8
History of the building of the Rhodes Fortress
Artillery fortification, in search of new forms Builders of fortifications and building methods
The Principles of Defence	p. 18
Profile of defences and general principles of defence
Main enceinte Parapets, loopholes and machicolations
Ditch
Outworks
Tour of the Fortress	p. 28
The Living Sites	p. 41
Grand Master's Palace
Hospital
The Street of the Knights, the inns and other old buildings
The Fortress at War	p. 44
1480
1522
Aftermath	p. 60
Glossary	p. 61
Bibliography and Further Reading	p. 63
Index	p. 64
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