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Osprey Warrior #115
Condottiere 1300–1500: Infamous medieval mercenaries
Originally hired by wealthy Italian city states to protect their assets during a time of ceaseless warring, the Condottiere of the Italian peninsula became famous for his wealth, venality and amorality during the 14th century.
The Condottieri's pursuit of profit meant they were prepared to change sides for the right price, even during battle, and they prospered, becoming both powerful and rich in the process. Leaders such as John Hawkwood, with his famous 'White Company', became major political figures.
Once at the peak of their power, they often worked together to protect their comfortable position by staging a number of visually impressive but almost bloodless battles, thereby avoiding the real thing. It was because of this, and their reliance on medieval tactics and weaponry, including grand armoured knights, that they were eventually wiped out or dispersed by the more modern armies.
Lavishly illustrated with contemporary depictions and original artwork, this title examines the complex military organization, recruitment, training and weaponry of the Condottieri. With insight into their origins and motivations, the author, Dr David Murphy, brings together the social, political and military history of these powerful and unscrupulous men who managed to influence Italian society and warfare for over two centuries.
The Condottieri's pursuit of profit meant they were prepared to change sides for the right price, even during battle, and they prospered, becoming both powerful and rich in the process. Leaders such as John Hawkwood, with his famous 'White Company', became major political figures.
Once at the peak of their power, they often worked together to protect their comfortable position by staging a number of visually impressive but almost bloodless battles, thereby avoiding the real thing. It was because of this, and their reliance on medieval tactics and weaponry, including grand armoured knights, that they were eventually wiped out or dispersed by the more modern armies.
Lavishly illustrated with contemporary depictions and original artwork, this title examines the complex military organization, recruitment, training and weaponry of the Condottieri. With insight into their origins and motivations, the author, Dr David Murphy, brings together the social, political and military history of these powerful and unscrupulous men who managed to influence Italian society and warfare for over two centuries.
64 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 28, 2019
A brief but in-depth look into the mercenary-like culture of wars in the medieval period, between 1300-1500.
Wars mostly associated with Italian factions heavily involved Condottiere, where cities would pay small companies to vast armies consisting of 'foreigners' such as the English, Germans, Swiss and French soldiers.
This book features beautiful in-colour paintings and diagrams displaying the range of condottiere, how men would dress in their civilian wear, to real life examples of armour from the Wallace Collection.
5/5 - A great little book with concise details, heaps of information and wonderful images rounds off another great Osprey title.
Wars mostly associated with Italian factions heavily involved Condottiere, where cities would pay small companies to vast armies consisting of 'foreigners' such as the English, Germans, Swiss and French soldiers.
This book features beautiful in-colour paintings and diagrams displaying the range of condottiere, how men would dress in their civilian wear, to real life examples of armour from the Wallace Collection.
5/5 - A great little book with concise details, heaps of information and wonderful images rounds off another great Osprey title.
October 11, 2021
I've come to the realization that I'm not going to find anything new in books like this. Most of it is stuff I've already read about numerous times. When it comes to Osprey, it has always been the illustrations that have made them useful & unique.
April 5, 2018
Solid and even handed introduction to the greatest European warlords, who brooked no true masters and trusted their sword and will alone.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews