TED-Ed: The merciless mercenaries of the Italian Renaissance | Stephanie Honchell Smith

The Condotieri were mercenaries in Italy during the 14th and 15th centuries, fighting for payment rather than glory. They played a crucial role in Italian warfare, driven by political rivalries and the Italian Renaissance. Originating from the 100 Years War, they were hired by Italian rulers to control violence. Their operations were governed by detailed contracts, allowing them to switch allegiances easily. Their tactics focused on avoiding decisive battles to maintain ongoing contracts. Over time, native Italians replaced foreign Condotieri, but they were eventually outclassed by state-sponsored militaries, leading to their decline.

What was the primary motivation for the Condotieri in warfare?

• Conquest and expansion

• Religious duty

• Payment and profit

• Glory and honor

How did local rulers in Italy benefit from hiring Condotieri?

• They increased their religious influence

• They reduced their trade costs

• They could expand their territories

• They gained experienced armies without training locals

What was a key feature of the contracts signed by the Condotieri?

• They included non-compete agreements

• They guaranteed lifelong loyalty

• They required religious conversion

• They mandated territorial expansion

Why did Condotieri commanders prefer battles to be inconclusive?

• To gain more territory

• To maintain ongoing business opportunities

• To ensure religious harmony

• To avoid unnecessary casualties

What led to the decline of the Condotieri's dominance in warfare?

• The discovery of new trade routes

• The emergence of state-sponsored militaries with advanced weaponry

• The rise of the Catholic Church

• The invention of the printing press

How did the new generation of native Italian Condotieri leverage their power?

• By forming alliances with foreign powers

• By establishing ruling dynasties

• By converting to different religions

• By focusing on agricultural development

What was a significant change in the composition of the Condotieri over time?

• They began to prioritize farming

• They started focusing on naval warfare

• They were increasingly replaced by native Italians

• They became more religiously diverse