The Swiss mercenaries were a powerful infantry force constituted by professional soldiers originating from the cantons of the Old Swiss Confederacy. They were notable for their service in foreign armies, especially among the military forces of the kings of France, throughout the early modern period of European history, from the Late Middle Ages into the Renaissance. Their service as mercenaries was at its peak during the Renaissance, when their proven battlefield capabilities made them sought-after mercenary troops. There followed a period of decline, as technological and organizational advances counteracted the Swiss' advantages. Switzerland's military isolationism largely put an end to organized mercenary activity; the principal remnant of the practice is the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.
Swiss mercenaries crossing the Alps; illustration from an illuminated manuscript of the Luzerner Schilling (1513).
Swiss mercenaries and Landsknechte engaged in a push of pike (engraving by Hans Holbein the Younger, early 16th century)
Right hand section of preceding drawing (engraving by Hans Holbein the Younger, early 16th century)
The Swiss (on the left) assault the Landsknecht mercenaries in the French lines at the Battle of Marignano
The Old Swiss Confederacy, also known as Switzerland or the Swiss Confederacy, was a loose confederation of independent small states, initially within the Holy Roman Empire. It is the precursor of the modern state of Switzerland.
The forces of Zürich are defeated in the Second War of Kappel.
Federal Charter of 1291
Tagsatzung of 1531 in Baden (1790s drawing)