Abstract
In warfare and martial life, the sixteenth century saw a military revolution that enhanced the professionalization of soldiers and led to the proliferation of a military science; the production of knowledge about the matter of war was abundant, and it was read not only by upper echelons of the military but also by rank-and-file soldiers. Leaving behind the culture of mercenaries, so harshly criticized by Niccolò Machiavelli, a new idea of participation and service to the nation emerged, together with a renewed consideration of professional soldiers. [...]the material conditions of militaries were very unstable and many soldiers struggled with poverty.
