Why are some Soldiers called Mercenaries?

Mercenaries are soldiers who give their services, and if necessary, their lives, to anyone who will pay them enough to do so. They were common even in ancient times.

Sometimes they were slaves, as were the Nubians who served the Pharaohs, or freebooters, such as the Philistines who were found in armies throughout the ancient Near East.

In medieval armies, professional soldiers often went to war instead of vassals who owed allegiance to a king or noble. The vassal had to furnish a certain number of armed men to fight in his lord's service for 40 days a year, but an alternative levy of gold was permitted which was used to hire mercenaries.

Mercenaries dominated the turbulent period from the Black Death of the mid-14th Century to the end of the wars of religion three centuries later. The bands which devastated France in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) were like those which ruined Germany in the Thirty Years' War (1618-48). The wealthy cities of Renaissance Italy gave them long term contracts for they were tough, skillful men who could cope with any kind of disturbance.

There are still men whose love of adventure and action leads them to enlist with any army who will pay them enough. Many governments, especially those in developing nations, are anxious to pay for their daring and expertise.

Through the ages mercenaries have become heroes, murderers, and the inevitable face of war.

When was Gas first used in War?

Gas was perhaps first used in battle in the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens(431-404 BC) when burning pitch and sulfur were used to produce suffocating gases. But poison gas as a modern weapon was introduced in the First World War on April 22, 1915. The Germans then launched a cylinder attack with chlorine against the British and French at Ypres.

Later many varieties of war gas were introduced. In July 1917 the Germans began using mustard gas, which caused severe, slow-healing burns on the skin and damage to the lungs. Many casualties resulted from gas bombardment, but relatively few people died. Both sides were ready to use increased gas attacks when the war ended in 1918.

During the Second World War and the Korean War, gas was not used, but preparations were carried out by both sides. Perhaps the most terrifying discovery was made by the Germans. This was a new series of chemical agents called nerve gases which rapidly result in convulsions, coma and - unless promptly treated - death.

Tear gas, which causes intense smarting and watering of the eyes is used in many countries to control rioting crowds, but its effects are only temporary.