ETHNIC STRUCTURE OF “COMPAGNI DI VENTURA”, OPERATED ON THE TERRITORY OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY IN THE FIRST HALF OF XIV CENTURY

While analyzing written sources and literature, the article reveals the main features of ethnic structure of such specific, characteristic only for medieval Italy, kind of mercenary troops, as “Compagni di Ventura”. The heterogeneous ethnic elements relationship in them, the reasons for the dominance of warriors, who came from the different regions, in Condottieri’ crushes are explored. The effectiveness of the various ethnic components is studied; also the most effective of them is highlighted.