Condottiere 1300–1500

Infamous medieval mercenaries
Illustrated with contemporary depictions and original artwork, this title examines the complex military organization, recruitment, training and weaponry of Condottieri. With insight into their origins and motivations, it brings together the social and political history of the powerful and unscrupulous men who influenced Italian society.
Originally contracted by wealthy Italian city states to protect their assets during a time of ceaseless warring, many condottieri of the Italian peninsula became famous for their wealth, venality and amorality during the 14th and 15th centuries. Some even came to rule cities themselves. 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.