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RHODIAN GREEK MILITIAMAN, 14th-15th CENTURIES
An extract from Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2by Ian Heath
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47. RHODIAN GREEK MILITIAMAN, 14th-15th CENTURIES
Taken from Arnold von Harff’s chronicle (he visited Rhodes in 1498), this figure probably provides an accurate portrayal of those of the island’s Greek population who performed naval service for the Hospitallers through the servitudo marina and provided militia when needed, as in 1480 and 1522. Unlike most Frankish overlords, the Hospitallers remained on good terms with their Greek subjects, which has been cited by many modern authorities as a major reason why the Order was able to hold Rhodes against the Mamluks and Ottomans for so long. Normal arms for the Greek militia probably comprised a bow or crossbow, or a spear or javelins, plus a sword.