Osprey Men-at-Arms №136. David Nicolle. Italian Medieval Armies 1300-1500

Osprey Publishing, 1983. — 47 p. — ISBN: 0850454778.Mercenaries were a common feature throughout most of Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, and had been known far earlier. But nowhere did such a sophisticated system of hiring, payment and organisation of mercenaries develop as it did in Italy. The condottiere - whose name came from the condotta or contract between himself and his employer - was the result. Whether commander or humble trooper, the condottiere was a complete professional. His skill has never been doubted, but his loyalty and dedication to a particular cause often has.