Warfare in the Renaissance

Warfare during the Renaissance (roughly the 14th to 17th centuries) was marked by significant innovations and evolving tactics. Armies grew larger, featuring heavily armed infantry and specialized units like cavalry and artillery. Military technology improved with the widespread use of cannons, muskets, and fortified cities. Renaissance armies relied on disciplined formations and strategic planning, often financed by emerging nation-states. Warfare also became more professional, with armies composed of paid soldiers rather than just peasants. These changes made battles more complex and doubled the scale of conflicts compared to earlier medieval times, shaping the development of modern warfare.