The Composition of Medieval European Armies: A Study in Diversity

The medieval period spanned an extremely diverse range of military compositions, shaped by political, social, and economic factors. This article explores the different types of soldiers, soldiers recruited from various backgrounds, and mercenary forces that commonly participated in factional wars throughout medieval Europe.

Understanding the Distinctions

The distinction between professional soldiers, recruited peasants, and mercenaries in medieval Europe is often blurred. Historically, there was a significant lack of professional soldiers as we understand them today. Instead, kings and lords relied heavily on feudal levies, which were often derived from their vassals and obligated to serve during conflicts.

Feudal Levies

Feudal levies were the backbone of medieval armies. These were typically able-bodied men from the landholdings of a lord or king, but without the extensive training associated with professional soldiers. These levies could vary widely in terms of equipment and training, depending on the wealth and resources of the individual providing them.

Professional Soldiers

The term "professional soldiers" in medieval Europe is often used misleadingly. For instance, English knights, while regarded as professional soldiers, often fulfilled multiple roles beyond just warfare, such as providing escort services or guarding castles. They were expected to serve in exchange for land tenure, and their military service could include a wide range of duties.

Mercenaries

Mercenaries, known as routiers in French, played a significant role in medieval warfare. They were hired by various parties, sometimes by private individuals and sometimes by states. Mercenary units were often composed of smaller bands or companies, known as free companies. These units were highly skilled, but they also posed significant risks as they often turned to plunder after their contracts ended, which could be sudden and unpaid.

The English Approach to the 100 Years War

To illustrate the complexity of medieval military composition, we look to the English approach during the 100 Years War against France. This period provides insightful historical context for understanding how Western European states managed to mobilize and organize large armies.

Peasant Levies

The English utilized a levy system known as the "shire levy." This system involved the local sheriff, rather than the lord, being responsible for rallying able-bodied men within each shire. These levies were often poorly equipped, with many having rudimentary gear likecustom weapons and basic armor, leading to a mixed and sometimes improper level of military training.

Professional Soldiers

On the other hand, English knights and low-ranking nobles were expected to be professional soldiers. They served under a feudal system where military service was a requirement for land tenure. However, their service could also include non-combat roles such as escorting, guarding castles, or performing other tasks. Their equipment and training varied based on their financial resources.

Mercenaries

Mercenaries, or routiers, were contracted for their combat experience and reliability. The English often hired mercenaries, including those from Burgundy and France, who had extensive combat experience. They were paid for their services but faced significant downsides when their contracts ended, sometimes without compensation, leading to opportunistic behavior like plundering.

Conclusion

The diversity of Medieval European armies cannot be overstated. From feudal levies and local militias to professional soldiers and mercenaries, the military composition was multifaceted and dynamic. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the complexity and diversity of medieval warfare.

Keywords: Medieval European armies, factional wars, professional soldiers