[Video] Masters of Combat: Swiss Pikemen

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Masters of Combat: Swiss Pikemen

Swiss Pikemen, renowned as the most fearsome medieval mercenaries, have a storied history dating back to the 1300s. When Switzerland split from the Holy Roman Empire, the cantons formed the Swiss Confederacy, and these warriors made their mark at the Battle of Morgarten, defeating Leopold I, Duke of Austria.

The secret to their success was an unyielding advance in battle, marching in columns of pikemen, halberdiers, and double-handed swordsmen. The Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs saw twelve to sixteen hundred Swiss Pikemen face 30,000 troops of King Louis the 11th of France. Although they lost, their fierce resistance forced Louis to abandon his invasion. In fact, Louis almost immediately allied with Switzerland and hired their pikeman as mercenaries.

Advancements in gunpowder eventually made them obsolete, the legacy of the Swiss Pikemen lives on through the Vatican’s Swiss Guard, who now serve in a ceremonial capacity. Their relentless tactics and fearsome reputation cement their place as one of the most formidable military units in medieval history.