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This issue of Medieval Warfare magazine focuses on the Thirteen Years War, the conflict that effectively destroyed the power of the Teutonic Order, a crusading order that had established a state on the shores of the Baltic. As with the other orders, the Teutonic Knights were originally formed in the Holy Land, but as the last crusader kingdoms collapsed they found a new purpose in the Baltic, then the frontier between Christian Europe and the Pagan world.
For some time crusading with the Teutonic Knights was a popular activity for western knights, but their reason for existing ended when the Poles and Lithuanians converted to Christianity. Eventually their own towns united with the united Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania, a Medieval superpower, and the Teutonic Knights were doomed.
The article on the Order's red brick castles was of special interest, covering an area that I have studied myself in the past. These were impressive buildings and impressive fortifications (although the amazing toilet tower at Marienwerder rather dominates).
The Thirteen Years War lacked major battles - there were only two, one won by the Knights and one by their enemies. Both battles are covered here in some detail. The unusual tactics found in the Baltic are also looked at.
This is an interesting topic covered by a good selection of articles.
Articles
Introduction: The Teutonic Knights - the road to the Thirteen Years War
The 'Dance of the Tatars' and other oddities: analysing strategy and tactics in the Baltics
The Battle of Kolnitz: The last great field victory of the Teutonic Knights
Castles of the Thirteen Years War - the red-brick strongholds of the Teutonic Knights
The turning point - The Battle of Zarnowitz, 17 September 1462
The chronicler Jan Dlugosz: Master of eastern European History
Crossbows and Christians: The Church's ban of the crossbow
The Battle of Worringen: The charge of six thousand to decide the fate of Limburg
Fighting on horseback in late medieval Europe: Fighting skills of European mounted warriors