Format:
304 S., [8] Bl.
,
Ill., Kt.
,
24 cm
Edition:
1. publ.
ISBN:
9781853676970
,
1853676977
Content:
The Middle Ages were a turbulent and violent time, when the fate of nations was most often decided on the battlefield, and strength of arms was key to acquiring and maintaining power. As feudal oaths and local militias were often incapable of keeping the enemy at bay, it was the mercenary who stepped in to fill the ranks. A mercenary was a professional soldier who took employment with minimum concern for the morals, ethics or cause of the paymaster. But within these confines we discover a surprising array of fighting-men, from the lowest-born foot soldier to the wealthiest aristocrat--even the occasional clergyman. Historian Urban explores the vital importance of the mercenary to the medieval power-broker, from the Byzantine Varangian Guard to 15th-century soldiers of fortune in the Baltic, and presents an in-depth portrait of the mercenary across the Middle Ages.--From publisher description.
Note:
Includes bibliographical references (p. 294-296) and index
Language:
English
Subjects:
History
Keywords:
Europa
;
Söldner
;
Geschichte 500-1500
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