Akustische Dimensionen in der Militärgeschichte der spätmittelalterlichen Eidgenossenschaft

Abstract

Every war has its own sounds, which differ from earlier and later wars. This statement by the German historian Gerhard Paul also applies to the war history of late medieval Switzerland. Special musical instruments like the Harsthorn could have a psychological effect on enemies in fight. Other musical instruments like trumpets, pipes and drums played an important role in different war and battle situations (as signals or other signs). The interplay between noise and silence was an important tactic in assaults, especially at night. War sounds changed in late medieval times due to the invention of firearms.

Keywords Switzerland; Battlefield; Harsthorn; War Noise; Music