The Ruthless Army That Inspired The Unsullied Game of Thrones
Channel: Emperors
Date: 2024-01-01

The Ottoman Empire is one of the most important and influential major empires in history, though it is sometimes overlooked in the West (which may have something to do with the Christianity-versus-Islam bent of Western historical education). This lack of recognition extends to the empire's elite and unique military units known as the Janissaries.

The Janissaries can be discussed in the same breath as other renowned warrior groups, such as the Roman legion or the Spartans. A highly trained band of slave warriors, akin to the Unsullied of Game of Thrones fame, the Janissaries left ample evidence of their tenacity and toughness throughout their nearly half-millennium of existence.

Beginning in the 14th century, the Janissaries served the Ottoman sultan directly. Their involvement in the military and politics changed over the centuries, but the Janissaries remained fundamentally important in Ottoman society.