This lecture by Joe Tryner, PhD Student at The University of Sheffield, explores the evolution of portable firearms during the Italian Wars (1494-1560) and their societal impact. It details the development of matchlock, wheel-lock, flintlock arquebuses, and pistols in production centers like Italy and southern Germany, highlighting their effect on battlefield tactics and their rapid spread into civilian life. The talk uses the example of goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini to illustrate early gun cultures, examines the appeal of firearms in 16th-century Italy across various social strata, and offers a new perspective on this period by exposing the realities of early modern warfare and the Italian Renaissance.
This video delves into the fascinating world of wheellock hand mortars, also known as 'katzenkopf'. These early 17th-century German or Dutch signaling arms and firework launchers showcase a unique blend of military potential and ornamental appeal. While some were built for combat with features for recoil control and aiming, many served a more ceremonial purpose, launching fireworks for royal and aristocratic entertainment. The presenters highlight their substantial two-inch bore, capable of firing impressive explosive charges, bridging the gap between weapon and pyrotechnic device.
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