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The Genoese crossbowmen remained one of the most respected military corps until the 16th century, well after the introduction of black-powder weapons in Europe. The heavy losses created by Genoese crossbows led medieval monarchs to extreme measures.
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.
Along with polearm weapons made from farming equipment, the crossbow was also a weapon of choice for insurgent peasants such as the Taborites. Genoese crossbowmen were famous mercenaries hired throughout medieval Europe, whilst the crossbow also played an important role in anti-personnel defense of ships. [62] Sketch by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1500
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]
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.
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]
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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 ...