The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters PREVIEW: Epochs #210 | Henry V: Part V
May 11, 2025
Dive into the intense siege of Harfleur as Henry V grapples with brutal conditions and strategic blunders. Explore the harrowing impact of disease on troops and the misconceptions that fueled their fears. Discover the emotional toll of leadership as Henry reflects on personal losses amid chaos. Witness his relentless resolve as he boldly assaults the Barbican, where the aftermath reveals the psychological scars of battle. This gripping tale intertwines history, heroism, and humanity.
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Low-Intensity Siege Bombardments
- Early 15th-century bombardments, like at Harfleur, were low intensity despite seeming constant.
- Sustained cannon fire was less devastating than modern warfare, explaining the town's firm resistance.
Disease Threat in Sieges
- Dysentery posed a grave threat to armies due to poor sanitation and cramped conditions.
- Disease often killed more soldiers than battle wounds in pre-modern warfare.
Medieval Views on Disease Causes
- Medieval beliefs linked disease to astrology, miasma, and divine punishment.
- These views affected how people interpreted the outbreak of dysentery in Henry's camp.
