Fun Fact! Greek hoplites are often thought of as 'ard, enduring military men, but while often skilled combatants, could be quite… particular about the level of comfort they campaigned in. Most hoplites were either distinctly middle-class militia, or else a privileged elite, and in both cases were quite irritable about things like “manual labor”, “carrying equipment”, and “living without servants” - for which reason hoplite forces could become very bogged down with their baggage trains.
And that is why the WORKING CLASS Roman troops DESERVED their conquest of Greece!Greek Hoplite and entourage on their way to Persia c480 BCE
Hence, the need for squires?
Squires as we think of them were generally combatants as well! But yes, they would handle many functions of a servant. Knights, as dedicated cavalrymen to begin with, would generally have multiple horses, though, typically at least a pack horse in addition to their mount and their squires’ mount, so the horses would handle more of the carrying burden.
Medieval armies, until the development of professional mercenary forces, often found making involved siege-works difficult because of that reluctance for manual labor - as late as the 16th century, it was still considered a job for local conscripts instead of ‘real’ soldiers!
Interesting.
Now I suppose etymologically there’s arguably a range of meanings upon the totality of the word “squire,” but in terms of common Medieval-Ren Euro parlance and ideas upon such, I trust we’re talking the same word. I find it a fun subject, in any case. Thank you!
Fine. I’ll take the obvious bait.
Come, patsy!
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