What are the differences and similarities in medieval warfare?

Medieval warfare varied significantly over time and geography but generally featured heavy cavalry, infantry, and sieges as primary components. Similarities included the use of castles for defense and the importance of strategy and terrain. However, differences arose in tactics, weaponry, and the role of technology, such as the introduction of gunpowder in later medieval periods. Additionally, social structures influenced warfare, with knights and nobility often leading armies in feudal societies, contrasting with more centralized forces in later periods.