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The Society for Medieval Military History

journalofmedievalmilitaryhistoryIf you are a medievalist, then you should be a member of De Re Militari, the Society for Medieval Military History. The group derives its name from the work of Vegetius, the Roman author who provided the military treatise, De Re Militari. This work was arguably the most influential on warfare throughout the medieval period. Although there are modern works on medieval warfare, the founders of the society sought to fill a gap where there was no dedicated journal to the subject.

For a mere $35, you can become a member and receive the annual copy of The Journal of Medieval Military History. The cost savings for the journal is worth it, as it retails for $70 otherwise. The contributors and editors of the journal read like a who’s who in the field of medieval warfare with scholars such as Kelly DeVries, John France, Bernard S. Bachrach, Clifford J. Rogers, Stephen Morillo, and Anne Curry.

Aside from a quality, hardbound book, the journal includes some great content. In the most recent issue (2012), there is a large range of topics including Byzantine wars, the Carolingian period, the wars of English King Edward I, and Ottoman-Hungarian Campaigns. Each issue typically provides an English translation of a medieval or modern work that is worth the price of admission.

The society also supports an active website that publishes translated source material, book reviews of modern-day works, and articles. And of course, there is a Facebook page.

The application process is a little dated, as it requires sending a check through the mail. After going through this process several times, I have found that I will send my check and months later, my journal arrives. However, it is well worth the effort. If you are a medievalist, then you will appreciate the value in this society.

By Scott Manning
Online Learning Tips, Student Contributor

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