Ransom

Ransoms were payments made to the captors of a defeated individual (usually of noble birth) for their return. During certain parts of medieval history ransoms were a important part of an engagement.

As time progressed they became less important. At Agincourt many minor nobles were executed rather than taken captive and only the very wealthy were spared.

For a soldier it could mean a great deal of money as he was allowed to keep two thirds of the ransom for himself and gave 1/3 to his captain.

The captain would give 1/3 of his share to the commander. The commander would give 1/3 of his share to his sovereign.