Swiss mercenaries
Videos
The Swiss mercenaries were a powerful infantry force of professional soldiers originating from the cantons of the Old Swiss Confederacy. They were notable for their service in foreign armies, especial
Swiss mercenaries crossing the Alps. Illustration from an illuminated manuscript of the Luzerner Schilling, 1513.
Swiss mercenaries and Landsknechts engaged in a push of pike. Engraving by Hans Holbein the Younger, early 16th century
Right hand section of preceding drawing
The Battle of Novara marked the pinnacle of Swiss military supremacy (illustration from Johann Stumpf's chronicle, 1548)
Swiss Guard
Videos
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard, is an armed force, guard of honour, and protective security unit, maintained by the Holy See to protect the Pope
Swiss mercenaries
…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. During the Late Middle Ages, mercenary forces grew in importance in Europe, as veterans from the Hundred Years War (1337–1453) and other…
The conclave of Pius V, with Swiss Guard guarding the entrance, Codex Maggi, 1578
Swiss Guard, Jean Barbault
Armour for the Papal Guard of Gregory XIII, c. 1580s, in the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts
Barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in Vatican City.