Enjoy Medieval Warfare Vol. 1 - 2 - The Power of Wealth

Medieval Warfare i.2, 2011

Topic: The power of wealth: mercenaries in the Middle Ages

Introduction: Owen Rees,

'Introduction to the topic - brave before friends, cowards before enemies'.

Illustrated by chris giannapoulos.

Let us descend into the dark abyss, the most vulnerable part, the ever-present underground current.
Of medieval warfare. It is a well-traveled but rarely explored place, a place where
Preconceived ideas and prejudices run rampant, a place where the death of many men is
It's worth no more than the coins in your purse, a place from which words of loyalty
And finances become interchangeable. Within this topic we will elucidate and
It illuminates the dark, humid world of the supposed serpent of the military world:
The mercenary.

The source: Murray Dahm,

'The Chronicles of Jean Froissart: War and Cavalry in the Hundred Years' War'.

Jean Froissart's chronicles are one of the most important sources for the opening.
Period of the Hundred Years' War (1322-1400). Written between approximately 1369
And by 1400, the chronicles contained a treasure trove of details for the military.
Historian. Once dismissed as romantic nonsense, Froissart is now recognized as such.
A valuable source for historical research.

Subject: Sidney Dean,

"Resonating the Middle Ages: Landsknecht Mercenaries Lead Europe to the Renaissance." Illustrated by Dariusz Bufnal.

The transition from medieval to Renaissance warfare is marked not only by changes
In armament and fortifications, an important factor is the gradual elimination of the feudal system.
Taxes in favor of professional military companies, while mercenary infantry had
Feudal armies increasingly increased during the late Middle Ages, the rise of the
The German landsknecht formations of the late 15th century can be considered a
Military turning point at the end of the medieval period.

Subject: Arnold Blumberg,

'Monarchs and Mercenaries: The Use of Soldiers-for-Hire by English Kings in the Early Middle Ages.' Illustrated by Johnny Shumate.

Throughout the medieval period, the struggle between centralizing tendencies
Of the English kings and the resistance of the nobility to these inclinations was
It took place not only in the council chamber, but also on the battlefield.
Surprising factor in favor of the monarch in the ongoing disputes with the nation
The landed aristocracy was the employment of mercenaries.

Theme: Raffaele d'Amato,

"The Golden Age of the Varangian Guard: A Brief History of the Guard from 988 to 1204."

At the end of the 9th century, Constantinopolis was the largest city.
From Europe. Its unique position on the Bosphorus, where many trade routes ended or
Crusader, allowed the trade of grain, furs and slaves from Russia and the Black Sea area.
Adventurers and warriors from Scandinavia and Russia arrived along these roads,
He traced the path from the Varangians to the Greeks. In Vyzantion (Byzantium), the
The Norse were destined to be remembered primarily as members of the Varangian tribe.
Guard, who protects the holy Vasiléfs (emperor).

Subject: vassilis pergalias,

"The Catalan Company in the East: Defeating Byzantium, the Ottomans, and the Franks." Illustrated by Darren Tan, Andrew Bock, and Carlos García.

The late medieval period saw a dramatic increase in the use of mercenary soldiers.
The feudal system practiced in Western Europe and the Byzantine military system
Of themes gradually deteriorated as effective mechanisms to efficiently create
Armies. At the same time, the prolonged wars in Spain, France, and Italy
It produced a large number of experienced soldiers. At the end of these wars, such
The soldiers were organized into autonomous war bands known as free companies.
Who traveled through the war-torn lands of Europe, collectively selling their
Services to the highest bidder. Probably the most successful and adventurous of
It was all the great Catalan company.

Characteristics

The weapon: Ross Cowan,

'Late Medieval Scottish Swords: Strength and Balance from the North'.

Like the warriors who wielded them, Scottish swords of the late Middle Ages were distinctive.
And deadly. The cutting power of these weapons was astonishing, and some were
They are considered even better than the swords of Gaelic legend.

The Castle: Garth Williams, 'The Iron Ring by Edward Longshanks - Castles of North Wales'. Illustrated by Carlos García.

At the end of the 13th century, King Edward I authorized the construction of a chain
From castles to fortify the North Wales coast. Together they formed an 'iron ring'.
With which to contain the recalcitrant Welsh. militarily, these stone giants
They had limited value as they were often defended by small garrisons. despite
These were considered suitable for holding the castle, they certainly proved to be
Insufficient to protect the adjacent city and its population as Wales later did
The rebellions would clearly reveal this: what, then, was the purpose of such a costly operation?
Construction project in North Wales?

The Battle: Andrei Pogacias,

"The Varna Campaign: An Example of How to Lose a Victory."

Illustrated by Alina Bondrea

The Battle of Varna, romantically called "The Last Crusade", was another important
Episode of the long conflict between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottoman Turks.
The idea of ​​a crusade resurfaced in Rome after the Council of Florence in 1439,
When the union of Christian churches was finally adopted, apart from the
Religious agreement, there was also a military stipulation: the West would provide
Constantinople with military aid against the Ottomans. Thus, the romantic idea
The goal of a crusade was to gain as many followers, money, and passion as possible.

The Duel: John Clements, 'Mysteries of Combat: Explaining the Missing Evidence'.

Many times, enthusiasts of a certain martial culture ask us about the
Combat methods or "martial art style" of some earlier warriors, typically the
Vikings, Celts, early Scots, Roman gladiators, or Spartans. I get asked too.
Why don't we bother to "study" or "practice" those fighting skills?
Apart from the fact that our specific area of ​​interest is from the 14th to the 17th
Centuries of Western Europe, there's a much deeper issue at stake. At the Medieval Shop, we have thousands of medieval and other period products. Discover them!