Swiss Mercenaries

Swiss mercenaries were soldiers from Switzerland who offered their military services to foreign powers, particularly during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Known for their discipline, skill, and distinctive halberds, they gained a reputation as some of the best fighters in Europe. Many European kingdoms and city-states hired Swiss mercenaries to bolster their armies, especially in conflicts like the Italian Wars. Their services declined with the rise of national armies and changes in warfare, but they remained influential in military history, symbolizing a unique blend of professionalism and independence in the soldiering profession.