Were mercenaries common in the Middle Ages?
During the Middle Ages, a mercenary unit might include people from various lands. However, Renaissance states usually recruited mercenaries as a group from certain regions, such as Germany, Switzerland, or Italy. As warfare became more common and more destructive, the number of mercenaries employed in Europe increased.
Why did rulers hire mercenaries?
mercenary, hired professional soldier who fights for any state or nation without regard to political interests or issues. These hired soldiers, often greedy, brutal, and undisciplined, were capable of deserting on the eve of battle, betraying their patrons, and plundering civilians.
Who did the mercenaries fight for and why?
Mercenaries fight for money or other forms of payment rather than for political interests. Beginning in the 20th century, mercenaries have increasingly come to be seen as less entitled to protections by rules of war than non-mercenaries.
How did mercenaries recruit?
Mercenary captains would pick up their men and recruit them into their company. Then they would offer to be hired as a company for different things. Overall recruitment might be similar to the military style except with a much higher standard.
What was the role of mercenaries in the Middle Ages?
Mercenaries – During the Middle Ages. The “Saubannerzug”, an irregular military formation carrying a wild boar and a club on its banner, aproaching the City of Bern in 1477 A.D. Professional soldiers (or sailors) who fought for pay or plunder, not for any national or religious cause or because they were conscripts.
Do mercenaries have a loyalty problem?
But at the heart of the equation is the problem of loyalty. Mercenaries, in the middle ages as now, stand accused of fragile loyalty, loyalty dependent entirely on regular and often extravagant pay, and a concern for personal survival.
Why did the Genoese become so popular as a mercenary force?
The Genoese were famous for their crossbowmen and as a result many nations hired them as mercenaries. When cannon first came on the scene they were rare and their operators were highly specialized and they were basically mercenaries as well. So specialized roles and masterless men frequently became mercenaries and they went to where the work was.
What is the difference between a soldier and a mercenary?
Mercenaries were specialists. To train, keep, and equip a professional soldier was extremely expensive. Most trained soldiers were not mercenaries but served a lord who paid them. These household knights often made up the core of many armies while untrained or poorly trained and equipped levies made up the rest of the numbers.