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The main armament of the Genoese crossbowmen was the crossbow, made in Genoa by the Balistrai Corporation. As well, the mercenaries were equipped with a dagger, a light metal helmet, a gorget, a hauberk and a large shield, called a pavese (), which was used while reloading the crossbow.
The Genoese engaged the English longbowmen in an archery duel. [114] The longbowmen outranged their opponents [75] and had a rate of fire more than three times greater. [115] [116] The crossbowmen were also without their protective pavises, which were still with the French baggage, as were their reserve supplies of ammunition.
Genoese crossbowmen, recruited in Genoa and in different parts of northern Italy, were famous mercenaries hired throughout medieval Europe, while the crossbow also played an important role in anti-personnel defence of ships. [93] Some 4,000 crossbowmen joined the Fifth Crusade and 5,000 under Louis IX of France during the Seventh Crusade. [10]
A large force of Italian crossbowmen went forward to engage the English longbowmen in an archery duel. [119] The longbowmen outranged their opponents [120] and had a rate of fire more than three times greater. [121] The crossbowmen were also without their protective pavises, which were still with the French baggage. [122]
The Genoese crossbowmen, an internationally-recognized elite corps, made use of the pavise, utilizing pavesarii (shield bearers). Having over three crossbowmen per pavise suggests that they took turns using the pavise as cover and were used primarily in static or defensive formations.
In Spain crossbowmen were considered in rank equivalent to a cavalryman. [38] The 14th century chronicler Ramon Muntaner believed the Catalans to be the best crossbowmen, because they were capable of maintaining their own weapons. [42] Crossbow guilds were common in many cities across Europe and crossbow competitions were held.
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The Genoese fleet transported and provided naval support to the crusaders, mainly during the siege of Antioch in 1098, when the Genoese fleet blockaded the city while the troops provided support during the siege. [17] In the siege of Jerusalem in 1099, Genoese crossbowmen led by Guglielmo Embriaco acted as support units against the defenders of ...