Title: The Lords of Battle
First published: 1997
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.
Subjects: Anglo-Saxons, Antiquities, Celtic, Britons, Celtic Antiquities, Epic poetry, English (Old), History, History and criticism, History, Military, Medieval Military history, Military History, Military art and science, Military history in literature, Military history, Medieval, War in literature, Welsh literature, Great britain, history, to 449, Great britain, history, anglo-saxon period, 449-1066
Places: Great Britain, Wales
Time periods: 449-1066, Anglo-Saxon period, 449-1066, Medieval, 500-1500, To 1063, To 1550
LC classification: DA59 .E94 1997