Landsknecht

Landsknechts were German mercenary soldiers prominent in the late 15th and 16th centuries. Known for their colorful clothing and distinctive two-handed swords, they played a key role in European warfare during the Renaissance. They were often employed by various princes and city-states in battles across Europe. Highly skilled and organized, Landsknechts were known for their formations and tactics, such as the "pike and shot" strategy that combined pikes with early firearms. Their influence extended beyond the battlefield, impacting military culture and tactics for years to come.