Overview
The ad for the Conquerors Institute in this feature is fictitious. But the Institute's "founders"--William, Basil, The Cid, and Henry--were real people, and their exploits--and atrocities--live on in history. In the Middle Ages, there was little to prevent strong, greedy, and ambitious men from taking the power, land, and riches of others by force. There were no courts to settle disputes among members of the nobility or between monarchs. Friction between religious and secular leaders also often led to fighting. Fighting took place mostly at close quarters. Prisoners of war were treated barbarously. Civilians were often killed, robbed, or brutalized by troops on both sides.
In general, however, the conquerors of the 1000's, such as those in this fictitious ad for a conquerors institute, fought mainly for wealth. A ruler who sought to conquer new territory did not usually intend to drive the people out of their lands. Generally, he just wanted to collect taxes from them. The most successful conquerors were also successful administrators who could maintain peace and prosperity in their new lands.