Why the medieval world relied on the very soldiers they called dogs of war
They fought for gold rather than faith or crown, roaming from Italy to Constantinople. These professional warriors shaped the Middle Ages, yet were often condemned as dishonourable. Discover how the era of the free company rose to power and why they eventually vanished from the battlefield.
In the early Middle Ages, the European landscape was defined by a class of warriors whose loyalty was tied to the highest bidder rather than a specific king, religion, or nation. These mercenaries operated across vast territories, from the scarlet fields of Italy to the defensive walls of Constantinople. They served a diverse range of masters, including popes, crusader lords, wealthy city-states, and even those fighting against their own religious interests.
The era was defined by specialized groups and legendary leaders. In Italy, the Condottieri became a prominent force, while the German lands saw the rise of the Landsknechts. Other notable groups included the Routiers of France, as well as the Catalan and Navarrrese Companies. Figures such as John Hawkwood emerged as iconic leaders within this profession, navigating a complex system of mercenary contracts that allowed small, wealthy states to project power through hired steel.
However, the profession faced increasing scrutiny. Religious and political thinkers began to label these fighters as dishonourable 'dogs of war,' largely because mercenary companies frequently switched sides based on financial incentives. The decline of this era was driven by the emergence of centralized kingdoms and the rise of national states equipped with permanent, standing armies. As these organized military structures took hold, the era of the independent free company faded, though the legacy of the soldier of fortune persists in modern private military companies.
Source: Rise and Fall of Medieval Mercenaries - Middle Ages DOCUMENTARY
