Empires Podcast the Ottomans
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Ottoman Military Encampments: A Mobile Force for Power Projection
(An Ottoman Camp. Note the Interlocking Tents.)
Sometimes a Good Defense is a Solid Row of Tents
When reading about the Roman campaign into Gaul, thousands of years ago, as a kid I thought it was so neat the Romans would set up mobile forts. Everywhere they went they'd set up these little wooden palisades and nestle behind the walls at night, their faces illuminated by torches and campfires as they retold the days deeds.
This tactic and discipline of the Roman army allowed them march, forage, and fight from a strong base of operations. A place to retreat to when things got bad, a place for a battlefield strategic reserve to watch over the supplies while the main fighting went on. The utility of the practice was almost never ending as was the benefits.
Fast forward to the 1300s and 1400s
The Ottoman military surged into Europe in the early 15th Century. They carried with them a long tradition of mobile forts, only, instead of following the Roman lead with wooden prefabricated palisades, the Ottomans carried with them elaborate and colorful tents. These monstrosities were triple laid with tough hides and furs. They came in many shapes, sizes, and served multiple purposes.
The Ottomans utilized special military units to travel ahead of the main military. Amongst these units were the Boy Blood Tribute from the Balkans. Working with the advanced guards was a hands on way for them to learn the basics of military logistics and setting up camp.
The specialists would set the camps in a series of tightly packed concentric circles. The tent stringers and ropes interlocked with one another to create a wall of wool, hide, hemp and poles. This thwarted cavalry charges, and broke up enemy infantry formations trying to break into the Ottoman camp.
Once the camp was struck and the Sultan set up, the camp served as a mobile filed hospital, and defensive position. It wasn't until the Ottomans enchanted John Hunyadi of Hungary, with his battle wagons did they begin to alter this time honored system.
-Frank