REN012
First Legion
During the 14th-17th Centuries art, science, exploration, and literature made a great resurgence. Following the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, came a Renaissance for humanity. The great continental powers of Europe bloodily vied for control of the continent as their militaries warred with each other. Gunpowder and cannon became reliable, and a part of warfare. Alongside heavy cavalry and foot soldiers, the pike and musket were the most common armaments in Renaissance armies. It is referred to as the "Age of Pike and Shot" by enthusiasts.
First Legion will cover more of the fascinating history in the Renaissance, adding high quality hand painted military miniatures to the range. The REN figure range begins with the Battle of Pavia in 1525. It was the decisive conflict of the Italian Wars between France and the Spanish Empire, and solidified Spaniard rulership of the Italian States for the following two centuries. REN001-REN030 depict the German mercenaries, called Landsknechts, that fought for both sides. Pike square formations were also famously used by Swiss soldiers, and these figures could stand in for them as well. Landsknechts and Swiss pikemen clashed throughout the Italian Wars.
This mercenary figure braces his pike at “port” to keep the front ranks safe from his deadly point. He wears the colorful and flamboyant clothes typically associated with German Landsknechts.