The greatest mercenary commander of the 14th century, inspiration for historians, poets, novelists and playwrights, John Hawkwood is a name everyone should know.
14th century Europe was a plagued with incessant warfare. The Hundred Years’ War began between France and England in 1337 and would last until the middle of the next century. Other conflicts engulfed various parts of Europe as well, especially in Italy where Sir John Hawkwood would make and maintain his name. It was a time when mercenaries could make both a living and a reputation for themselves by plying their craft on foreign fields. John Hawkwood, second son of his father, entered this world and became the most famous mercenary of his time, remaining at the forefront of the mercenary trade for thirty years.
This episode was written by Murray Dahm.
Murray Dahm is an ancient and medieval military historian from New Zealand, living in Australia. He has written more than 100 articles on various aspects of ancient and medieval military history, as well as other historical topics from all periods (ranging from the history of opera to the runic alphabet and recipients of the Victoria Cross). He is the author of COMBAT 40: Macedonian Phalangite vs Persian Warrior: Alexander confronts the Achaemenids, 334-331 BC from Osprey publishing. He is a regular on the Ancient Warfare Podcast.
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