Pikemen

Pikemen were infantry soldiers during the late medieval and early modern periods who fought primarily with long spears called pikes. These weapons, often 10 to 20 feet long, allowed pikemen to form defensive lines against cavalry and other infantry. They were important in battles for creating a formidable front, as their length kept enemies at bay. Pikemen usually worked in groups and were often part of larger military units called formations. As firearms became more prevalent, the role of pikemen declined, but they played a crucial part in the evolution of military tactics and formations.