16th Century FORUM
Plunder
Herlève
Does anyone know how soldiers, the Landsknecht in particular, turned plunder in coin? Did they have to haul valuables with them throughout a campaign season until they came to a city where they could sell large valuables? Could they do this in camp? I am picturing men unwilling to leave silver or gold too heavy to carry and to valuable to leave in their tents for even a moment. Or was there a rank system by which particularly valuable goods were turned in to superiors?
I posted this on the medieval board as well -- early Landsknechts.
Many Thanks!
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RESPONSES
| Herlève |
1
Aha! Found the answer! That's what women were for!
Posted: 10-Jun-2009 17:56
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| Herlève |
2
Meaning by the above that women kept soldiers' things safe.
Posted: 10-Jun-2009 17:56
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| Draconifer |
3
There is no reason to whitewash or romanticise history. You were right the first time.
Like the buccaneers of Port Royal the landsknechts lived
on the edge and spent their plunder accordingly.
The life expectancy of battle did not lend itself to retirement expectations.
The campfollowers were not faithful watchdogs of gold.
Yes they did make merry as it were.
Posted: 16-Jul-2009 08:31
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| Herlève |
4
I see. Thank you!
Posted: 18-Jul-2009 12:28
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