ABSTRACT
Much writing on medieval military history, certainly in English, has focused on northern Europe. This chapter examines a particularly intense period of warfare between the north Italian states. It argues that their armies, while they had some special characteristics, were essentially very similar to those of northern Europe, and that they conducted war in much the same way. However, what is remarkable is that they were able to sustain a notable intensity of conflict over a long period of time, and at the same time maintain their strength and prosperity.
