The German rulers were forceful and powerful men, and, surrounded by potential enemies, circumstances dictated the necessity of rule by strength based on military capacity. In the later 15th Century, three houses rose above the others; the families of Wittelsbach, Luxemburg and the powerful Austrian Hapsburgs. The struggles of these and other houses, and of the knights and towns, were to be a feature of German history throughout the Middle Ages. This title details the dress, weapons, heraldry and insignia of these prolific forces, as well as various battles, such as the Battle of Goellheim of 1298. Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present. An unrivaled source of information on the uniforms, insignia, and appearance of the world's fighting men of the past and present. This series offers detailed information on the uniforms and insignia of the armies; a definitive analysis of their armour, weapons, tactics, and motivation; comprehensive histories of the design, development and operational use of vehicles and artillery; and concise, authoritative accounts of decisive encounters in military history. Christopher Gravett is a former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries, Tower of London, and a recognized authority on the arms, armour and warfare of the medieval world. He has worked as an advisor for numerous TV and film productions, and has written several books, including DK Eyewitness Knight and Castle and more than 20 titles for Osprey. Angus McBride was one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, and contributed to over 100 Osprey titles over several decades.