The purpose of this treatise is to determine the essence and role of mercenaries in the western tradition. The approach is to delineate, analyze and compare mercenary phenomena in their various settings from their ancient European forms around the Mediterranean Sea to the early 20th century. The term mercenary is applied to a variety of historical situations which do not appear to have elements in common. This treatise attempts to provide a basis for insight into the mercenary phenomena of history and for a more precise use of the word in describing mercenary situations.

ADA 091483 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)