Swiss mercenaries were notable for their service in foreign armies, especially the armies of the Kings of France, throughout the Early Modern period of European history, from the Later Middle Ages into the Age of the European Enlightenment. Their service as mercenaries was at its peak during the Renaissance, when their proven battlefield capabilities made them sought-after mercenary troops.
In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5, Swiss mercenaries are called "Switzers" (Switzer is actually what the Swiss were called in English until the 19th century).
Read more about Swiss Mercenaries: Ascendancy, Landsknechts and The Italian Wars, Organization and Tactics, End of Military Ascendancy, After The Battle of Pavia, Modern Times, Notable Swiss Mercenaries
Famous quotes containing the word swiss:
“Realistic about how much one person can accomplish in a given day, women expect to have to make some trade-offs between work and family. Families, however, have absorbed all the stress and strain they possibly can. The entire responsibility for accommodation is taking place on the home side of the equation.”
—Deborah J. Swiss (20th century)