Army General

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European medieval armies were based on the feudal obligation of nobles to serve their liege lord. This system, which originated from late Roman traditions, primarily applied to defensive warfare where there was no opportunity for plunder. If a ruler wanted to lead an offensive campaign, he had to not only promise his knights the prospect of loot but also pay them.
In France and Italy, where wars were relatively frequent, mercenary armed bands (rutta, routes) known as free companies began to emerge. These companies fought for wages during wars but extorted protection money from peasants and robbed travellers during peacetime.
In the 14th century, mercenary service became a profession for thousands of impoverished nobles. Among the largest groups were the French Bandes blanches, the English White Company, and the Italian Compagnia di San Giorgio. In Bohemia, there was the retinue surrounding Jan Sokol of Lamberk and Hynek I of Kunstadt.

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