A few questions from a beginner

[Robert Vermaat]

Money wasn't meant to be hoarded but spent as lavishly as possible.

I have to disagree (for now).
If you're a soldier who is not rich you take care of what you have. We are talking about soldiers in regions from Egypt to Scotland, each from their own background and in differing circumstances, aren't we? What I did notice is that they very much liked to look good, and accordingly spend money (lavishly, indeed) on their equipment. Now, I do accept (with Graham) that this equipment was taken into battle, not stored away at home or in the tent until the battle was over ('for parades' as was the thinking in the past). What I don't accept (contra Dan) is that everyone apparently flamboyantly spent it lavishly, and uncaringly. That would mean your good stuff is gone, you suddenly do not look as good as your comrades until money comes your way again. If there's some written material on that mindset (which if I understand it correctly was universal during the period we are discussing) I am really interested to learn more about.