Landsknechts

In this episode, we explore the Landsknechte, the famed German mercenaries who became one of the most recognizable infantry forces of early modern Europe. Created under Maximilian I to rival Swiss pike formations, these soldiers earned their reputation through disciplined use of pikes, two-handed swords, and early firearms such as the arquebus. The episode follows their role in major conflicts including the Italian Wars and the Habsburg-Ottoman wars, with key moments at Pavia, Vienna, and the infamous Sack of Rome in 1527. We also examine their colorful uniforms, distinctive military culture, battlefield organization, and eventual decline as European warfare shifted toward more modern armies and tactics.