The medieval period was a time of almost constant warfare, with lords and rulers constantly vying for power and territory. As a result, there was a high demand for soldiers, and many men turned to mercenary work as a way to earn a living.
Mercenary companies were typically made up of soldiers from across Europe, and could be hired by any lord or ruler who could afford to pay their fees!
“The medieval mercenary was both an asset and a liability to his employer. On the one hand, he brought with him a wealth of experience and specialized skills that were often lacking in the regular army. On the other hand, he was notoriously difficult to control and prone to desertion if not paid regularly.”
William Caferro, Professor of History at Vanderbilt University.
The White Company was one of the most famous mercenary companies of the medieval period, and was active in the late 14th century. The company was made up of English soldiers who had fought in the Hundred Years’ War, and was led by a charismatic captain named John Hawkwood.
The White Company quickly gained a reputation as one of the most effective and ruthless mercenary companies of the period. They were known for their skill and discipline on the battlefield, as well as for their brutal tactics.
The White Company often took no prisoners, and would kill or ransom any enemy soldiers they captured.
The White Company was hired by a number of lords and rulers throughout Europe during their time, including the city-states of Italy and the King of Castile. They fought in a number of conflicts, including the War of the Two Peters in Spain and the Hundred Years’ War in France.
The White Company was particularly successful in Italy, where they were hired by a number of city-states to fight against their enemies. The company was instrumental in a number of key battles, and helped to establish the reputation of English mercenaries as some of the most skilled and effective soldiers of the period.
“The rise of the mercenary in the Middle Ages was a result of the decentralization of power and the breakdown of feudalism. As nobles became more independent and territorial boundaries shifted, they needed to hire professional soldiers to protect their lands.”
John France, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at Swansea University.
Despite their successes, the White Company eventually fell out of favor with their employers. Their brutal tactics and high fees made them unpopular with many lords and rulers, and they were often seen as a liability rather than an asset.
The White Company disbanded in the early 15th century, but their legacy lived on. They were remembered as one of the most effective and feared mercenary companies of the medieval period, and their reputation helped to establish the English as some of the most skilled and respected soldiers of the time.
The mercenary companies of the medieval period played a key role in the conflicts and wars of the time. The White Company was one of the most famous and successful of these companies, and helped to establish the reputation of English mercenaries as some of the most skilled and effective soldiers of the period.
While the mercenary companies of the medieval period are now a thing of the past, their legacy lives on in the stories and legends that have been passed down through the ages.
“Despite their reputation as ruthless killers, many medieval mercenaries were actually quite pragmatic and willing to negotiate. They understood that their survival depended on being paid and would often switch sides if it meant securing their financial future.”
Charles T. Wood, Professor of History at Elon University.
