Caltrops - a Device Built After Nature

Andi · 15th November 2012, 08:55 PM

A drastic illustration of the tactical effect of caltrops is shown in an illustrated manuscript "Kriegstechnik" of the Zentralbibliothek Zürich Switzerland, inventory Ms. Rh. hist. 33b, dating to the 15th century on page 49r.

Page no. 115v illustrates their effect on horses.

The caltrops shown are a similar type achored in the ground with a wooden stick.

This caltrops are very effective as the soles of shoes worn by soldiers or warrios that time had only one single or sometimes a double layer of soft leather with a thickness of max. 3-4 mm in total. It must be very demoralizing when watching your comrades in front of you running through such a mined field - knowing that you also must pass it.

15th November 2012, 08:55 PM	#11
Andi Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Halstenbek, Germany Posts: 203	A drastic illustration of the tactical effect of caltrops is shown in an illustrated manuscript "Kriegstechnik" of the Zentralbibliothek Zürich Switzerland, inventory Ms. Rh. hist. 33b, dating to the 15th century on page 49r. Page no. 115v illustrates their effect on horses. The caltrops shown are a similar type achored in the ground with a wooden stick. This caltrops are very effective as the soles of shoes worn by soldiers or warrios that time had only one single or sometimes a double layer of soft leather with a thickness of max. 3-4 mm in total. It must be very demoralizing when watching your comrades in front of you running through such a mined field - knowing that you also must pass it. Attached Images