Skip to main content

The rise and fall of Italy’s warriors-for-hire - Stephanie Honchell Smith

247,751 Views

1,171 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

During the 14th and 15th centuries, mercenaries known as condottieri dominated Italian warfare, profiting from— and encouraging— the region’s intense political rivalries. As rulers competed for power and prestige, their disputes often played out in military conflicts, fought almost entirely by the condottieri. So who were these elite and conniving warriors? Stephanie Honchell Smith investigates.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Stephanie Honchell Smith
  • Director Yael Reisfeld
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Composer Carlos Magaña Bru, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Nirana Singh, cAMP Studio
  • Animator Yael Reisfeld
  • Additional Animation Daniella Bokor
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Abdallah Ewis, Anna Bechtol
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler

More from The World's People and Places