4:09 "intimidate your enemy by showing off your prosperity". Imagine turning up on the battlefield in Louie Vuitton or Armani or any other high fashion brand or haute couture.
Interesting topic. The basic formation of the Swiss mercenaries was not called "Igel" (hedgehog), however. It had a much cooler name - "Gewalthaufen", which can be translated to "violence pile", even though "force pile" or "large pile" would be more accurate. These formations could contain thousands of soldiers per pile. The Igel was a circular defensive formation used by the Landsknechte as a reaction to the threat of being surrounded. A later variation of these piles were the famous Spanish tercios, which were used until the mid-17th century.
"Violence Pile". That's absolutely perfect for the Swiss. Sums up exactly what the Swiss pike formations were ever so good at; violence. Prisoners? Nope. Ransom? Nope. Surender? Nope. "What are they good at then?" "Killing stuff". "What sort of stuff?" "What'd you want dead?"
Very nice video, with all the basics covered and only minimal errors that i could spot. I only have one very important addition concerning the decline of the landsknechts: Their monthly payment was fixed by Maximilian I and stayed the same throuout the 16th century, meaning what was much in the beginning became less and less thanks to inflation, so becoming a landsknecht became less and less popular.
The "entertainment" also fulfilled other tasks. They gave a form of simple medical provision to wounded or sick soldiers. Booty could be sold to them and in return the mercenaries recieved food, alcohol or other services. In camp they were put under supervision of a sergeant. Fun fact: in the Vatican exists a confessional in which a Landsknecht had carved "Luther".
"No money, no Swiss". "Umm...can I get a cheaper German Knock-off then?" "Surely, sign here." "Are they as good as the Swiss?" "Nooooo.....not as such, but they ARE very ,very scary. After all, they do carry swords called Cat-Gutters. That's pretty bloody frightening, isn't it?"
It may be a false legend, but I’ve heard that landsknechte would strip cloth from fallen enemies and enemy standards to be sewn into their garments, causing the very colorful and cocky display. The more color contrast reflecting the higher victory count.
Great video, please do an Italian wars video..
Great suggestion! I've got plans to do a multi-part series on the Italian wars.
Helllllll yeah. My favorite channel covering my favorite difficult to pronounce word!
Always coming with the heat Jimmy
I've never heard of this. Thanks for an interesting history lesson.
Glad you enjoyed it
9:17 YES, nice! And the bread knife sword! Wild.
@LazyChillHistory happy turkey day!
4:09 "intimidate your enemy by showing off your prosperity". Imagine turning up on the battlefield in Louie Vuitton or Armani or any other high fashion brand or haute couture.
The Nazi uniforms were designed by Hugo Boss. Jocks being vain is not from any one time, but all times.😊
Interesting topic. The basic formation of the Swiss mercenaries was not called "Igel" (hedgehog), however. It had a much cooler name - "Gewalthaufen", which can be translated to "violence pile", even though "force pile" or "large pile" would be more accurate. These formations could contain thousands of soldiers per pile. The Igel was a circular defensive formation used by the Landsknechte as a reaction to the threat of being surrounded.
A later variation of these piles were the famous Spanish tercios, which were used until the mid-17th century.
Great/well thought out addition. I appreciate it!
"Violence Pile". That's absolutely perfect for the Swiss. Sums up exactly what the Swiss pike formations were ever so good at; violence. Prisoners? Nope. Ransom? Nope. Surender? Nope.
"What are they good at then?"
"Killing stuff".
"What sort of stuff?"
"What'd you want dead?"
I wonder if they turned, or just all moved straight ahead?
Hey nice video man, really enjoying the relaxed vibe. More videos like this would be cool, could you do one on the burgher class?
Thanks for the idea!
Very nice video, with all the basics covered and only minimal errors that i could spot. I only have one very important addition concerning the decline of the landsknechts: Their monthly payment was fixed by Maximilian I and stayed the same throuout the 16th century, meaning what was much in the beginning became less and less thanks to inflation, so becoming a landsknecht became less and less popular.
Thanks for the kind words, and also adding to my own personal knowledge through your comment.
Good grief. Seems like inflation is just inevitable.
The "entertainment" also fulfilled other tasks. They gave a form of simple medical provision to wounded or sick soldiers. Booty could be sold to them and in return the mercenaries recieved food, alcohol or other services. In camp they were put under supervision of a sergeant.
Fun fact: in the Vatican exists a confessional in which a Landsknecht had carved "Luther".
Booty for booty. Fair exchange.
New subscribers I like history
Aaaah, "the entertainment!"
"No money, no Swiss".
"Umm...can I get a cheaper German Knock-off then?"
"Surely, sign here."
"Are they as good as the Swiss?"
"Nooooo.....not as such, but they ARE very ,very scary. After all, they do carry swords called Cat-Gutters. That's pretty bloody frightening, isn't it?"
It may be a false legend, but I’ve heard that landsknechte would strip cloth from fallen enemies and enemy standards to be sewn into their garments, causing the very colorful and cocky display. The more color contrast reflecting the higher victory count.
That actually makes sense-counting coup and being fancy.
Aww hell yeah. I know you’re reppin’ them Lanskenchts.
You just got yourself a subscriber!😅
The early Janisaries 😊
Mlre like empire greatsword regiment... 😂❤