Kings and Generals
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Rise and Fall of Medieval Mercenaries - Middle Ages DOCUMENTARY
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May 19, 2026
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Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on the history of medieval period, Christianity and Roman Empire continues with a video on the rise and fall of Medieval mercenaries in the early middle ages. Medieval Europe was filled with warriors who fought not for king, country, or faith, but for whoever could pay. From the scarlet fields of Italy to the walls of Constantinople, mercenaries shaped the wars of the Middle Ages, serving city-states, crusader lords, kings, popes, and even enemies of their own religion. This video explores the rise, golden age, and decline of medieval mercenaries: the Condottieri of Italy, the Landsknechts of the German lands, the Routiers of France, the Catalan and Navarrese Companies, and legendary figures like John Hawkwood. We examine why small states and wealthy cities relied on hired soldiers, how mercenary contracts worked, why companies often switched sides, and why religious and political thinkers increasingly condemned them as dishonourable “dogs of war.” As centralized kingdoms, standing armies, and national states emerged, the old free companies faded from the battlefield. Yet the profession never truly died. From pirates and colonial soldiers of fortune to modern private military companies, the medieval mercenary’s legacy still survives. Were they villains, professionals, or simply products of a violent age? The answer is far more complicated than legend suggests.
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The video was made by Sebastiao Reis, while the script was written by Christos Nicolaou, the video was narrated by Liam Taylor
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Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound
#documentary #Medieval #Warfare
