"Books Ref's. on the History of Milan in Med. & Ren. ages?" Topic

Are there any decent references for the military history of Milan in the late 14th, 15th, and early 16th century?

I am especially interested in any info on battles, opponents, army compostions, campaigns, alliances, flags/banners/standards, colors of units/uniforms/horsebarding, sieges, etc., for Milan, as well as other Italian City States.

Basically, anything that would tie in with military battles, or campaigns on the tabletop would be very helpful.
Political alliances, etc. would also be useful.

I'm also very interested in any photos, drawings, paintings, or other images that might tie in with Milan, or other Italian armies for the late medieval, and early renaissance periods. I am especially interested in any photos people may have from museums of armor and horse barding for the periods listed above, and/or any books that may have such for various collections.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I only dream of such sources in English.

A great starting point is Mercenaries and their Masters by Michael Mallett. It's out of print, but can be found in used/rare book websites.

There's a cheap copy of 'Mercenaries and their Masters' on Amazon US at the moment for those interested. It is an essential work on the period.

For the period just before your interest there are the illustrations in Sercambi. These are particularly good for showing the decoration on pavises.

Swampster--thanks for the reference to Sercambi. All sorts of graphics through Google.

If you can find the book in a library it's even better than what's on the net. Luckily my local University has a copy (it's in two volumes and one of those is just illustrations).

PK

This book has an essay on Milan Italian Italy and the European Powers: The Impact of War, 1500-1530

link

However at $153, check it out at a library . I will be having a read through this on Saturday

Do you have the title for Sercambi. Otherise I will just google it

Italy and the European Powers: The Impact of War, 1500-1530

I purchased that book on "Half-Ebay" for $86.00 USD (not quite half price, but what the heck!?! )

Was it any good. I 'll find on Saturday when I vist the library ( i have it on order )

I just started reading it. I read Mallett's essay and thought that it was very good. But then again, I tend to like his writings on the period, so I might be biased.

I agree, I pretty much read most of Mallet's work. I paid £40.00 GBP for Mercenearies and their Master's and I have neber regretted it

Thanks for all the input guys.

I really appreciate it.

I read the piece on Milan, but not much on military matters in there. Its political.

For standards :

link

This is the Visconti vyper, after 1400 it is displayed quaterd with the Imperial eagle

This site has Gian Galleazzo Visconti, who was the first real Duke of Milan( he purchased the title form the Emperor ) Francesco Sforza and Lodovico Ill Moro Sforza

ugopozzati.it/Milanesi.htm

Michelleto Attendelo's standard is shown in Paulo Ucello's battle of San Romano paintings.

Otherwise the following are usefull:

Heath Ian, Armies of the Middle Ages Volume 1. WRG 1982

Mallet, M "Mercenaries and their Masters: Warfare in Renaissance Italy." London The Bodley Head 1974

John Temple-Leader and Giuseppe Marcotti,T. Sir John Hawkwood: Story of a Condottiere. Fisher Unwin (London) in 1889 available online at
link

Trease, Geoffrey" The Condottieri, Solder of Fortune" 1970

More usefull stuff at

link

There is not a great deal of information in English. If you can read Italian you will find a better selection. Some of this depends on the city as well. There is a lot written in English about Florence which had a few battles with Milan and other cities, so that might be a good start for you.
A good book to start with is the Italian Crusades by Norman Housley. It starts in the Mid 13th Century. He is very good at footnoting and has an excellent bibliography.