THE CONJUNCTION OF medieval disability and war studies was conceptualized by Ninon Dubourg (disability historian) and Christophe Masson (military historian) when their paths crossed at the University of Liège. This shared vision emerged from a profound recognition of the need to bridge these two disciplines, uncovering new perspectives on how medieval societies understood and navigated the interplay between disability and conflict. Their collaboration marked the beginning of an interdisciplinary journey which resulted in the present volume.

This vision materialized through an ambitious series of events, starting with an online workshop that brought together specialists from a variety of fields, including (bio)archaeology, literature, and history, to engage in vibrant discussions. Held from February 2023 to April 2024, this series of public events provided a dynamic platform for exploring the nuanced ways in which disability and warfare intersected during the later Middle Ages. The culmination of these efforts was a two-day closed workshop in November 2024, where contributors gathered at the University of Liège to deepen their analyses and establish the foundations for this volume.

Such an undertaking would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of several institutions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS), the University of Liège (through RISE—Research, Innovation, Support and Enterprises and the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters), and the Research Unit “Transitions. Moyen Âge et première modernité” for their funding and unwavering encouragement. Their support not only facilitated the organization of these events but also ensured the successful realization of this book, which stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary dialogue.

This volume represents the collective efforts of scholars dedicated to shedding light on a complex and often-overlooked aspect of medieval history. It is the editors’ hope that the insights and discussions contained within will inspire further exploration and dialogue, enriching both disability studies and war studies in ways that honour their interconnected histories.