Pike and shot formation

The pike and shot formation was a military tactic used in the early modern period, particularly during the 16th to 17th centuries. It combined two types of soldiers: pikemen, who carried long spears (pikes) and defended against cavalry and infantry, and musketeers, who were armed with firearms. The pikemen formed a protective front line, while the musketeers stood behind them, ready to fire. This formation allowed armies to defend effectively against various threats while maximizing their firepower. It represented a significant advancement in military strategy, blending hand-to-hand combat with gunfire for coordinated battlefield tactics.