By Bananaking – HistoryGoneBananas
Ah, the Battle of Crécy (1346). On this day, King Edward III of England faced off against Philip VI of France in northern France. What could have been a royal meet-and-greet turned into one of the most important—and most hilariously chaotic—clashes of the Middle Ages. But first a word from today’s sponsor:
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Longbows vs. Glittering Knights
While the French knights thundered forward in shiny armor that could double as medieval disco balls, the English longbowmen let loose volleys of arrows. The result? Medieval mayhem. Horses panicked, knights toppled, and mud became the most unglamorous battlefield stage.
The First Boom in Battle
Crécy also saw the first European battlefield use of cannons—small, clunky, and noisy contraptions that probably scared the knights almost as much as they confused them. Imagine thinking you’re charging into glory, and suddenly a metal dragon coughs fire in your direction. Surprise, medieval apocalypse!
Lessons From Crécy (Still True Today)
Historians: This battle marked the decline of knightly dominance.
History geeks: Longbows = innovation, knights = tradition (spoiler: innovation usually wins).
Everyone else: Never bring a chandelier (knight) to a lawn dart (arrow) contest.
Crécy reminds us that history turns not just on kings and crowns, but tactics and technology.
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👑 Written by Bananaking, official court jester-historian of HistoryGoneBananas.