Carts and Wagons General

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In the Middle Ages, carts served for travel, agricultural work, and military purposes. Among the simplest carts were two-wheeled carts, alongside ladder wagons (known as “ladder racks”) or carts with solid sides. The oldest carts with tall wheels had a single central axle connected to the chassis. From the 14th century, two-axle four-wheeled carts were used. The front axle was not steerable, resulting in a very small turning radius. These carts also lacked benches, so the coachman either rode on one of the horses or walked alongside the cart.
In times of war, carts could be used as mobile field fortifications—a strategy notably highlighted during the Hussite Wars, where the strategic use of “wagon forts” won several battles for the Hussites.

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