Register a SNAP EBT card with Amazon


Amazon Audible Gift Memberships



RHODIAN GREEK MILITIAMAN, 14th-15th CENTURIES

An extract from Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2
by Ian Heath

47.      RHODIAN GREEK MILITIAMAN, 14th-15th CENTURIES

Taken from Arnold von Harff’s chronicle (he visited Rhodes in 1498), this figure probably provides an accurate portrayal of those of the island’s Greek population who performed naval service for the Hospitallers through the servitudo marina and provided militia when needed, as in 1480 and 1522. Unlike most Frankish overlords, the Hospitallers remained on good terms with their Greek subjects, which has been cited by many modern authorities as a major reason why the Order was able to hold Rhodes against the Mamluks and Ottomans for so long. Normal arms for the Greek militia probably comprised a bow or crossbow, or a spear or javelins, plus a sword.
[Based on The pilgrimage of the Knight Arnold von Harff - manuscript or woodcut.]


Other extracts by Ian Heath:
43. Knight Hospitaller, 14th century
44. Knight Hospitaller, 1480
45. Knight Hospitaller In Habit, 15th century
46. Fra John Longstrother, 1471
Next: 48. Flags Of The Knights Of Rhodes in Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2 by Ian Heath





Free Web Hosting