Explanation: In pre-modern pitched battles, both sides would typically be camped close to one another so as to be able to ‘present battle’ - ie force the enemy into a fight. The thing is, each camp would also be filled with food, equipment… and hard-earned loot and pay! For obvious reasons, for many poor troops (and some not-so-poor ones), getting their hands on that plunder was an immensely tempting prospect, and there are numerous occasions when one side’s forces, thinking the battle was won, would break off to loot the enemy’s camp - either letting many of the enemy escape, or, worse, having the enemy rally and drive them off instead!

For this reason, many successful commanders in pre-modern history emphasized discipline in the ranks, including discipline regarding looting. Looting was fine - but it had to be at the proper time!