The lords of battle
Subtitle: image and reality of the comitatus in Dark-Age Britain
By: Stephen S. Evans.
Publisher: Boydell Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK; Rochester, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 169
Subjects: Military art and science -- Great Britain -- History -- Medieval, 500-1500.; Epic poetry, English (Old) -- History and criticism.; Welsh literature -- To 1550 -- History and criticism.; Military history in literature.; Military history, Medieval.; War in literature.; Anglo-Saxons.; Britons.; Great Britain -- History, Military -- 449-1066.; Great Britain -- History -- Anglo-Saxon period, 449-1066.; Great Britain -- Antiquities, Celtic.; Wales -- History -- To 1063.
Description: The Lords of Battle examines the image of the comitatus, or warband, as it is portrayed in literary and historical sources from Britain's early medieval period; in so doing, it attempts to determine the extent to which this image reflects an historical reality. Through an extensive use of a variety of source material, literary, historical, and archaeological, the book investigates both the structure of the warband, and the practices and institutions which supported it.

After a review of the historical background of Dark Age Britain, Stephen Evans explores the practical characteristics of the comitatus, such as its military organisation; its internal social structure and its place within society as a whole; and the lord-retainer relationship, its duties and obligations.

He also examines the cultural, social, and economic institutions which produced and supported the warband, including the role of the court poets; the importance of the hall; hostage-taking and fosterage; and food-renders, tribute, and booty. Overall, the study provides a number of insights into the ideals and practices of Britain's Celtic and Anglo-Saxon warrior-elites during a turbulent period.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 151-164) and index.