Medieval warfare on the grid
Although historical studies are frequently perceived as clear narratives defined by a series of fixed events; in reality, even where critical historical events may be identified, historic documentation frequently lacks corroborative detail to support verifiable interpretation. Consequently, interpretation rarely rises above the level of unproven assertion and is rarely tested against a range of evidence. Agent-based simulation can provide an opportunity to break these cycles of academic claim and counter-claim. This thesis discusses the development of an agent-based simulation designed to investigate medieval military logistics so that new evidence may be generated to supplement existing historical analysis. It uses as a case-study the Byzantine armyâs march to the battle of Manzikert (AD 1071), a key event in medieval history. It describes the design and implementation of a series of agent-based models and presents the results of these models. The analysis of these results shows that agent-based modelling is a powerful tool in investigating the practical limitations faced by medieval armies on campaign.
Murgatroyd, Philip Scott
D111 Medieval History ; QA76 Computer software ; U Military Science (General)
Medieval warfare on the grid. Although historical studies are frequently perceived as clear narratives defined by a series of fixed events; in reality, even where critical historical events may be identified, historic documentation frequently lacks corroborative detail to support verifiable interpretation. Consequently, interpretation rarely rises above the level of unproven assertion and is rarely tested against a range of evidence. Agent-based simulation can provide an opportunity to break these cycles of academic claim and counter-claim. This thesis discusses the development of an agent-based simulation designed to investigate medieval military logistics so that new evidence may be generated to supplement existing historical analysis. It uses as a case-study the Byzantine armyâs march to the battle of Manzikert (AD 1071), a key event in medieval history. It describes the design and implementation of a series of agent-based models and presents the results of these models. The analysis of these results shows that agent-based modelling is a powerful tool in investigating the practical limitations faced by medieval armies on campaign.
medieval warfare grid although historical_study frequently perceive clear narrative define series fix event reality even critical historical_event may identify historic documentation frequently lack detail support interpretation consequently interpretation rarely rise level assertion rarely test range_evidence agent_based simulation provide_opportunity break cycle academic claim counter claim discus development agent_based simulation design_investigate medieval military logistics new_evidence may generate supplement exist historical_analysis case_study byzantine army march battle key_event medieval history describes design_implementation series agent_based model present model analysis_show agent_based model powerful_tool investigate practical limitation face medieval army campaign