As war booty, libraries and books could even increase their conquerors’ social and cultural capital.

Looted libraries and books bore witness of their conquerors’ brave deeds. Additionally, they testified on the looters’ fine education which allowed them to identify valuable books and could add to their social and cultural capital. What is more, if not kept but gifted to a prince, looted books and libraries did not only elevate the conqueror’s social status but also that of the recipient. That is why books and libraries were a coveted currency in the social bartering. (3/5)

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