Weapons Byzantine army (Palaiologan era)

weapons amongst byzantine army varied greatly, did composition of army. shields , spears common weapon. however, 14th century, crossbow emerged important anti-personnel weapon. in line western european military thinking, saw rise in importance of genoese crossbow , longbow in england in 14th , 15th centuries. given late-imperial dependence on western mercenaries, unsurprising. empire shrunk, resources , ability fight declined; when constantinople besieged in 1453, walls unable bear mounting cannon (the recoil of guns shake rubble-core theodosian walls down) , empire unable use piece of technology.