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Mercenaries Throughout History: Loyalty to the Highest Bidder and the International Convention Against Mercenaries
Throughout history, we have encountered the term "mercenary," particularly during the period of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, alongside discussions about soldiers for hire, mercenaries, and the Janissary army, among others. The methods and tools used in warfare have evolved over time; some have become obsolete, while others have developed, and some have remained consistent in meaning and definition, such as "mercenaries." These are soldiers hired to fight for a country other than their own, with the goal of serving their personal interests in exchange for financial compensation, regardless of political, humanitarian, or ethical considerations.
A "mercenary" is often defined as someone who fights on behalf of a foreign country in exchange for money, or any individual who is not a national of a party involved in the conflict, nor a resident of a territory controlled by any of the warring parties. Some believe that the use of mercenaries is a modern phenomenon; however, this is not true. Many rulers throughout ancient times employed them to protect their thrones and territories because they were professional and highly trained soldiers. Here are some of the most notable and formidable mercenary units that played significant roles throughout history:
The Black Army:
Established by Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus in the second half of the 15th century, this army consisted of about 30,000 mercenaries from among the fiercest fighters in Europe, hailing from Germany, Poland, Bohemia, Serbia, and Hungary. They later became known as the "Black Army" and gained a reputation in Central Europe and the Balkans. King Matthias organized these mercenaries into a mixed army of light infantry supporting armored or heavy infantry, backed by heavily armed cavalry.
The Turkish Guard:
In the 9th century, Abbasid Caliph Al-Mu'tasim formed his own army composed of mercenary Seljuks and slaves, which he later referred to as the "Turkish Guard," helping him secure the caliphate for himself. However, these mercenaries later engaged in looting and pillaging—similar to what is currently happening in Syria—greatly damaging their reputation among Muslims. Their power increased not only over the populace but also over the Abbasid caliphs themselves, who lost control over them. The situation peaked when they participated in the assassination of Caliph Al-Mu'tasim Billah, and their issue was not resolved until 1258 when the Mongols invaded Baghdad.
The Invincible Army:
While Switzerland is commonly perceived as a neutral country that does not participate in wars, this was not always the case. Swiss soldiers were once some of the most formidable infantry troops in Europe, known for their service in foreign armies. This mercenary army was established in 1860 by American Frederick Townsend Ward, who was hired by wealthy residents of Shanghai to protect the city and deter threats during the Chinese Civil War, which began in 1851 and was considered the bloodiest conflict in history until World War II. Ward and his force of 5,000 mercenaries, known as the "Invincible Army," successfully turned the tide against the Taiping and crushed their revolution.
The Varangian Guard:
This mercenary force represented the elite fighters of the Byzantine army between the 10th and 14th centuries. They served as personal guards to Byzantine emperors and received higher wages than their counterparts in the army. They also enjoyed various privileges, including the right to claim the first spoils after victory in battles. Given their role as the primary force in the imperial palace, they had the privilege of looting the emperor's possessions upon his death.
Swiss Mercenaries:
As previously mentioned, the common image of Switzerland is of a neutral country that does not engage in warfare, but this was not always the case. Swiss soldiers were among the most formidable infantry in Europe and were known for their service in foreign armies, especially in the armies of French kings during the early modern period of European history, from the Middle Ages to the European Enlightenment. Swiss mercenaries were masters of battles and wars for many centuries, and their mere presence in combat instilled fear in their enemies and undermined their morale. Their service as mercenaries peaked during the Renaissance, due to their remarkable battlefield capabilities, making them highly sought after as mercenary forces.
The Wild Geese:
This force was founded in 1691 in France, consisting of Irish exiles expelled by English King William III during the event known as the "Wild Goose Migration." They served as mercenaries for the French and were later referred to as the "Irish Brigade," being incorporated into the French army.
The White Company:
This force emerged in 14th-century Italy and proved effective in the Hundred Years' War against France. Their military tactics, strict discipline, and soldiers known for their agility and speed on the battlefield made their services highly sought.
Mahin Sheikhani
