De Bellis Italicis Army Lists
 
Much of the following information is modified from the army lists contained in Virtue ‘gainst Fury by Mark Unitt and Toby McLeod

Click on nationality to jump to its army list

FRANCE
HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE
SPANISH
ITALIAN
FLORENCE
VENICE
MILAN
NAPLES
PAPAL STATES
SWISS CONFEDERATION
ENGLAND
Each company is represented by a single element, except that a company of Pike is represented by two elements.
 
FRANCE
The army used by the Valois monarchs of France in their struggles with the Habsburgs, was centered around the compagnies d’ordonnance. The compagnies provided the French kings with a standing army that could be used at any time, rather than having to recruit from scratch each time war loomed. The native troops of the compagnies, especially the infantry, were regularly supplemented by hiring foreign mercenaries. Swiss pikemen and German Landsknecht provided shock troops, while Italians provided missile troops and skirmishers. Other troops used, included bands of French adventuriers from Picardy and Gascony.
 
Two force lists are provided to cover the French armies of the Italian wars and the later Valois- Habsburg struggles. There is a third list to provide a French army with additional French troops. These troops are the levies raised to counter invasions and other emergencies.
 
Allies
The French may field a Venetian allied force
Mercenaries
Swiss, German, False Swiss and Italian mercenaries may be hired by French armies.
 
Early French Army
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S) lead by the General
The Battle of Gerard Tharert Hiring cost: 54 Ducats
Two companies of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Artillery Art (O)
A company of Gascons Bw(O)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
The Battle of François Aleau Hiring cost: 63 Ducats
Two companies of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
Two companies of Gascons Bw(O)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
Two companies of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Claude de Bondureau Hiring cost: 29 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Luc Rayerede Hiring cost: 34 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Gerard Petetlin Hiring cost: 25 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Picard Pike Pk(O)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Louis de Huilleau Hiring cost: 31 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Picard Pike Pk(O)
A company of Gascons Bw(O)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Gaston de Duppeand Hiring cost: 45 Ducats
Three companies of Gendarmes Kn(S)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to two companies of Gendarmes Kn(S) Hiring cost: 15 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Picard Pike Pk(O) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats
Up to two companies of Gascons Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Argoulets LH(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Stradiots LH(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
 
Later French Army
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S) led by the General
 
The Battle of Charles de Morande Hiring cost: 34 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Legion Sh(X)
Two companies of Foot Sh(I)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Marcel de Bonduret Hiring cost: 46 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
Two companies of Legion Sh(X)
Two companies of Foot Sh(I)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Gerard de la Gudet Hiring cost: 48 Ducats
Two companies of Gendarmes Kn(S)
Two companies of Legion Sh(X)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Joeseph de Petaud Hiring cost: 27 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
Two companies of Foot Sh(I)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Louis Petedena Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
Two companies of Argoulets LH(I)
 
The Battle of Henri Morette Hiring cost: 15 Ducats
A company of Legion Sh(X)
Two companies of Foot Sh(I)
 
The Battle of Christophe de Grandend Hiring cost: 21 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Argoulets LH(I)
A company of Skirmishers Ps(O)
 
The Battle of Pierre Claperede Hiring cost: 18 Ducats
Two companies of Foot Sh(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Alfonse Friet Hiring cost: 32 Ducats
A company of Gendarmes Kn(S)
A company of Legion Sh(X)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Gendarmes Kn(S) Hiring cost: 15 Ducats
Up to one company of Legion Sh(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Sh(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Argoulets LH(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
French Auxiliaries
 
The Battle of Pierre Vialdeisat Hiring cost: 22 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Three companies of Foot Ax(I)
 
The Battle of Christophe Gudier Hiring cost: 14 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Ax(I)
 
The Battle of Louis de Chapuette Hiring cost: 9 Ducats
Three companies of Foot Ax(I)
 
The Battle of Gerard de Chapuette Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(I)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to company of Pikemen Pk(I) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats
Up to company of Infantry Bw(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to company of Foot Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats

 

HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE
 
The Emperor Maximillian had raised the Landsknecht during the fifteenth century in response to the achievements of the Swiss pikemen. With a predominantly pike armed army, allies and mercenaries needed to be hired to provide balance. When Charles V was elected Emperor and united the thrones of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, Imperial armies were frequently found with large contingents of Spanish allies.
 
The Landsknechts
 
Raised in response to the success of the Swiss pikemen by the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian in 1486, the Landsknechts rarely matched the exploits of their redoubtable progenitors. These mercenaries were to be found in most armies of the Italian Wars and were frequently truculent and unreliable and largely indifferent to the squabbles of their employers. Their vehement hatred of the Swiss was only matched by their insatiable thirst for gold. In any fight between Switzer and Landsknecht, no quarter was expected or given - the ‘Bad War’.
 
 
The Landknechts were not supposed to take arms against the Emperor, but many did. Among them notably, the renowned 8,000 strong Black Band that fought for Francis I at Pavia, where they were utterly wiped out as ‘traitors to the fatherland’. Actually, Germany was a divided land and by no means were all Germans loyal to the Empire - there was no shortage of recruits for the wars, all hungry for plunder and adventure.
 
The Landsknechts held their pikes near the base of the staff, sloping the points upwards, whilst the Swiss held theirs nearer the middle and stabbed downwards with the business end, towards the faces of their opponents. This is said by some commentators to have given them an advantage in close combat. Like the Swiss, Landsknecht pike columns were screened by bands of Schutzen or skirmishers armed with crossbows and arquebuses, and there was usually a Blood Flag of daredevils who would rush at the enemy first, to try to tear a gap in the opposing ranks for their comrades to charge into.
 
Initially these formations were almost unstoppable on the battlefield and when two pike phalanxes met, there followed a push of pike where the front ranks of both sides usually went down and the remaining ranks remained locked together. Astute commanders might position a body of arquebusiers in the very front rank, who would fire at point blank range to break up the enemy formation, killing and injuring the officers and picked men placed at the front of the opposing formation. However, in practice this could be problematic.
 
The shot could end up sandwiched in a very unenviable position between the two units, without the opportunity to reload, and effectively preventing the friendly pike from engaging their enemy efficiently. If both commanders had the same idea, as they in fact did at Ceresole in 1544, the result was mutually inconvenient!
 
Allies
 
Imperial armies fighting outside of Italy may employ an English allied force. Those armies operating in Italy may have Spanish or Independent City State Italian allies.
 
Mercenaries
 
Imperial armies may hire Reiter and Italian mercenaries.
 
Imperial Army
 
The Battle of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(O)
 
The Battle of Karl Dresdorf Hiring cost: 38 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(O)
A company of Reiter Cv(S)
 
The Battle of Herman von Leipzig Hiring cost: 44 Ducats
Three companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(I)
A company of Reiter Cv(S)
 
The Battle of Adolf Lunezig Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(I)
 
The Battle of Maximillian von Kunnerslaut Hiring cost: 36 Ducats
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(I)
A company of Reiter Cv(S)
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
 
The Battle of Helmut Klienunz Hiring cost: 19 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of Ludger Beckenover Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(I)
A company of Reiter Cv(S)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of Franz von Beckenbach Hiring cost: 24 Ducats
A company of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
Two companies of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of Heinz von Hamwald Hiring cost:18 Ducats
A company of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to two companies of Men-at-arms Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Reiter Cv(S) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O) Hiring cost: 8 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to two companies of Schutzen Ps(S) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats per company
 
German mercenary bands
 
German mercenaries troops were also the standing army of the Empire and were fiercely loyal to the Emperor and would not fight against the Emperors forces. For this reason German mercenaries cannot be used if your opponent is using an Imperial army, unless you are commanding a French army. The French are exempt to this rule, to represent the loyalty shown to their employer by Landsknecht such as the Black Band of led by Georg Langenmantel.
 
The Battle of the Uwe Grossbauer Hiring cost: 19 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of the Gotz von Grundorf Hiring cost: 16 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
 
The Battle of the Helmut Geltklinken Hiring cost: 16 Ducats
Two companies of Landsknecht Pk(O)
 
Mercenary Reiter bands
 
The Battle of Hans Voss Hiring cost: 40 Ducats
Four companies of Reiter Cv(S)
 
The Battle of Helmut Munner Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
Two companies of Reiter Cv(S)
 
 
SPANISH ARMY
 
With the defeat of the last Spanish Muslim kingdom, the rulers of Spain completed the Reconquesta of the Iberian peninsular and began a phase of expansive foreign policy. Cortez, Pissaro and the conquistadors would soon conquer the New World. Gonsalvo de Cordoba led an expeditionary force to Italy to further Spain’s interests in that peninsular.
 
Militarily Spain had developed a standing army during the Reconquesta and expanded on this during the wars in Italy. The core of this army was its infantry. It was well trained, well equipped and well led this army was soon the envy of Europe.
 
The Spanish were the only true regular army of the Italian wars, with permanently embodied troops, tempered in the long wars against the Moors in Granada and North Africa. The standing army dated from 1490 and was formed into ordonenza companies of 100 men consisting of pike, Aragonese sword and buckler men and missile troops (crossbow and arquebus) in roughly equal proportions.
 
It was in the handling of massed firearms that the Spanish excelled, and this combined with the liberal use of field fortifications gave the Spanish infantry a decisive advantage. Harking back to the successful defensive tactics of the English longbow men of the Fifteenth Century, the enemy were induced to attack a strong position. However, the Spanish were equally adept at the riposte. Their sword and buckler men could swiftly dart into a dense enemy formation and badly cut up opposing pikemen, dodging under their blades as they did so.
 
In 1505, the Spanish developed the Colunella, which combined pike and shot in an all arms formation of around 1,000 men, including halberdiers and sword and buckler men. Three of these Colunella were later combined to form a Tercio, which was to remain the dominant infantry fighting formation for over a century.
 
Initially the Spanish armies were accompanied by swarms of Jinetes (Genitors), descended from the Moorish light horse encountered and beaten, during the long Reconquesta of Spain from the Moslems. They were equipped in Moorish fashion with javelins and heart-shaped shields or adargas, and employed the hit and run tactics beloved of skirmishing light cavalry types.
 
Whereas the other nations favoured heavily armoured aristocratic Gendarmes, Spanish lancers had been reorganized on professional lines by Ferdinand and Isabella’s reforms in the Ordinances of the 1490s, and were relatively lightly protected. They carried a handier light thrusting lance, as opposed to the hefty jousting weapons favoured by other European nobility.
 
There are two force lists representing two stages of development in the army. The first list is the earlier army with the infantry organized into colunellas. The second list describes the later army, when the infantry were organized into Tercios. The Tercio was a large mixed force of pike and arquebus armed troops and was to be building block of Spanish armies for over a century.
 
Allies
 
Papal, Imperial and Neopolitan allied contingents may be used by Spanish armies.
 
Mercenaries
 
Spanish armies may hire Italian mercenaries.
 
Early Spanish Army
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Nobles Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Luis de Madrid Hiring cost: 25 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
Three companies of Infantry Sh(X)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
 
The Battle of Jose Rioja Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
Three companies of Infantry Sh(X)
Two companies of Genitors LH(F)
 
The Battle of Alonso Guaratoro Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
Two companies of Infantry Sh(X)
 
The Battle of Hernan Cordoba Hiring cost: 30 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
Two companies of Infantry Sh(X)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
 
The Battle of Miguel de Toro Hiring cost: 31 Ducats
A company of Caballeros Kn(F)
Two companies of Genitors LH(F)
 
The Battle of Alonso Salero Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
A company of Caballeros Kn(F)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Battle of Manuel Carrero Hiring cost: 17 Ducats
A company of Infantry Sh(X)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to two companies of Infantry Sh(X) Hiring cost: 7 per company
Up to one company of Genitors LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Escopeteros LH(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
 
Later Spanish Army
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Nobles Kn(S)
 
The Tercio of Don Diego Garcia Hiring cost: 24 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(O)
Four companies of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Tercio of Carlos Fernandez Hiring cost: 24 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(O)
Four companies of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Tercio of Rodrigo Pescara Hiring cost: 24 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(O)
Four companies of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Battle of Cesare Toledo Hiring cost: 19 Ducats
A company of Caballeros Kn(F)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
 
The Battle of Pancho Lopetevez Hiring cost: 21 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Diego Rodrigez Hiring cost: 30 Ducats
A company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O)
A company of Genitors LH(F)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Battle of Manuel Hierasa Hiring cost: 14 Ducats
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Pedro Domegui Hiring cost: 25 Ducats
A company of Caballeros Kn(F)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Gentes d’armas Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Arquebusiers Sh(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Genitors LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
 
 
ITALY
 
It would be incorrect to consider Italy as one country during this period. Each major city controlled a separate state. The single common factor between these states was their location in Italy. Many states were ruled by hereditary monarchs, others were republics and a large section of central Italy was controlled by the Pope.
 
The Condottieri system of hiring complete armies to fight on behalf of the state, had been long established in Italy. This led to a uniformity among the armies of the city states, with local variations where circumstances permitted.
 
Each state will have its own force list.
 
INDEPENDENT CITY STATE
 
This list is a generic army to cover the armies of Genoa, Pisa and the other states which made up the rest of the Italian peninsular.
 
Mercenaries
 
Minor Italian armies may hire Italian mercenaries.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Georgio Musori Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Georgio Minori Hiring cost: 51 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Massimo Cosari Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
Two companies of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Alphonse Bagci Hiring cost: 47 Ducats
Two companies of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
Two companies of Cavallegieri LH(I)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Georgio Benni Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Niccolo Evanenza Hiring cost: 28 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Pike Pk(I) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats
Up to one company of Infantry Bw(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavallegieri LH(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
 
FLORENCE
 
By the end of the fifteenth century, Florence was a fading power in Italy, with limited influence or sway amongst the other states. There are two separate force lists, to cover the changing face of the Florentine military.
 
The first list shows the early army used in the war with Pisa. This army exhibits a predominance of pikemen at the expense of other troops. The second list illustrates the army used in the late 1520s, as Florence struggled for independence.
 
Mercenaries
 
Florentine armies may hire Italian mercenaries.
 
Florentine Army - The War Against Pisa 1495-1503
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Georgio Scaccini Hiring cost: 41 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
A company of Skirmishers Ps(O)
 
The Battle of Vincenzo Burmarini Hiring cost: 33 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Carlo Barchi Hiring cost: 27 Ducats
Three companies of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Lorenzo Sacteotti Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Massimo Sacti Hiring cost: 17 Ducats
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Claudio Tassetzia Hiring cost: 27 Ducats
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Niccolo Gucani Hiring cost: 28 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to two companies of Pike Pk(I) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost:10 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
Florentine Army - The War of Independence 1528-1530
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Donaldo Maldotti Hiring cost: 45 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
A company of Skirmishers Ps(O)
 
The Battle of Julio Costienza Hiring cost: 37 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Carlo Costienza Hiring cost: 25 Ducats
Three companies of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Niccolo Bergmaetti Hiring cost: 30 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Georgio Gucte Hiring cost: 21 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Paulo Casila Hiring cost: 46 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Skirmishers Ps(O)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to two companies of Infantry Bw(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Foot Sh(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
 
MILAN
 
The Milanese rulers relied on their excellent native cavalry, which was supplemented with mercenaries. Milan’s misfortune was to be thrown across the path of the warring French and Imperial armies. This resulted in Milan being occupied again and again by foreign armies.
 
Allies
 
Milanese armies may field a Venetian ally army.
 
Mercenaries
 
Milanese armies may hire Swiss and Italian mercenaries.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Guiseppe Scaccta Hiring cost: 49 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Julio Conotti Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Three companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Carlo Maldini Hiring cost: 36 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Leonardo Conesini Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Alessandro Alberto Hiring cost: 22 Ducats
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Claudio Donetzia Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Luciano Barci Hiring cost: 28 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to Two companies of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Pike Pk(I) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavallegieri LH(I) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost:10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats

 

NAPLES
 
Southern Italy, has always been was some way behind the more prosperous and advanced north. The Neopolitan army of the Italian wars was no exception to this rule, with many of the elements of the Neopolitan army being decidedly old fashioned. Though Naples benefited from her close relationship with the Spanish crown.
 
Allies
 
Spanish allies may be fielded.
 
Mercenaries
 
Neopolitan armies may hire Italian mercenaries.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Niccolo Bagetzia Hiring cost: 49 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Pietro Musotti Hiring cost: 51 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Swordsmen Bd(F)
Three companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Turks LH(S)
 
The Battle of Luciano Maldaro Hiring cost: 40 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Swordsmen Bd(F)
A company of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Peito Minniotti Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Claudio Alberte Hiring cost: 22 Ducats
Two companies of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Paulo Tasseto Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Lorenzo Minita Hiring cost: 28 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Pike Pk(I) Hiring cost: 6 Ducats
Up to one company of Guardsmen Bd(S) Hiring cost: 9 Ducats
Up to one company of Swordsmen Bd(F) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Turks LH(S) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
 
PAPAL STATES
 
The Popes of this period, usually entrusted command of their armies to a ‘nephew’ or other relative. Mercenary troops were heavily relied on. However under Cesere Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, increasing numbers of native troops were used.
 
Allies
 
Papal armies may field Venetian allies
 
Mercenaries
 
Papal armies may hire Italian mercenaries.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Leonardo Donnaerivo Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Giovani Saccesi Hiring cost: 51 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Umberto Saccesi Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Claudio Minetzia Hiring cost: 21 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Lorenzo Bucotti Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Franco Alberchi Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Artillery (O)
 
The Battle of Leonardo Alberchi Hiring cost: 29 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Swiss Guard Bd(S) Hiring cost: 9 Ducats
Up to one company of Infantry Bw(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Stradiots LH(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats

 

VENICE
 
In the north, Venice controlled an empire that stretched east from the Adriatic to the Aegean. This large domain provided Venice with the means to be very active in both Italian politics and warfare.
 
Allies
 
Papal and Milanese allies may be fielded
 
Mercenaries
 
Venetian armies may hire Swiss, Italian and Romagnol mercenaries.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
 
The Battle of Donaldo Bucto Hiring cost: 43 Ducats
A company of Casa Kn(S)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Three companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Alessandro Minti Hiring cost: 46 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
Two companies of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
Two companies of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Guiseppe Cosimani Hiring cost: 51 Ducats
A company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O)
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Turks LH(S)
Two companies of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Pietro Mustochi Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
 
The Battle of Julio Cosini Hiring cost: 24 Ducats
Two companies of Turks LH(S)
Two companies of Stradiots LH(O)
 
The Battle of Georgio Conima Hiring cost: 36 Ducats
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Lanze Spezzate Kn(O) Hiring cost: 12 Ducats
Up to one company of Infantry Bw(X) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats
Up to one company of Foot Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to two companies of Swordsmen Bd(F) Hiring cost: 7 Ducats per company
Up to three companies of Stradiots LH(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Cavalleria LH(F) Hiring cost: 4 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
Up to one company of Skirmishers Ps(O) Hiring cost: 2 Ducats
 
Companies of Militia
Any number of militia companies may be hired.
 
Country Militia Ax(I) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
Italian mercenary troops
 
The Battle of Antonio Guccio Hiring cost: 27 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Constantino Luciano Hiring cost: 21 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Cavalleria LH(F)
A company of Cavallegieri LH(I)
 
The Battle of Georgio Trapetoni Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Bande Nere of Umberto Maldeta Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Bande Nere Cavallegieri LH(S)
Three companies of Bande Nere Skirmishers Ps(S)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
The Battle of Pietro Mirafiori Hiring cost: 26 Ducats
A company of Pike Pk(I)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
Two companies of Foot Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Alessandro Massini Hiring cost: 29 Ducats
A company of Condottieri Kn(O)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
A company of Infantry Bw(X)
 
Romagnol mercenary bands
 
The Battle of Pietro Pizaro Hiring cost: 18 Ducats
Two companies of Romagnol Pikemen Pk(O)
A company of Skirmishers Ps(O)
 
The Battle Luigi Staverna Hiring cost: 16 Ducats
Two companies of Romagnol Pikemen Pk(O)
 
 
SWISS CONFEDERATION
 
If you pay us well
We’ll move against your enemy
‘Til the very women and little children
Cry ‘Murder!’
That is what we long for and rejoice in.
It’s no good to us when peace and calm rule.
Song of the Swiss Reisläufer
Niklaus Manuel 1521
 
The people of the Swiss cantons, developed their considerable military reputation through their wars of independence against first the Austrians and later Charles the Bold of Burgundy. The repeated defeats of Charles’ army, considered by many to be the finest in Europe, established the Swiss as the finest infantry in Europe. With their independence secured, Swiss troops began to be hired as mercenaries by the rulers of Europe. The Papal Swiss Guard being the most famous and long lived of these.
 
The pikemen of the Swiss armies were the backbone of their forces and were supported by smaller numbers of mounted and missile armed troops.
 
Allies
 
Swiss armies may field a force of Milanese allies.
 
Swiss army
 
The Battle of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
The Battle of Eric d’Argent Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
The Battle of Jean Grandmaison Hiring cost: 33 Ducats
Three companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of Heinz Granson Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
The Battle of Hans Mittelgrau Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of Ludger von der Hassdenbauer Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
The Battle of Jens von Lunefurt Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(S)
A company of Artillery Art(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Men-at-arms Kn(I) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to two companies of Pikemen Pk(S) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats per company
Up to two companies of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Schutzen Ps(S) Hiring cost: 3 Ducats
 
Swiss mercenary bands
 
Although the Swiss were the mercenaries par excellance, Swiss soldiers would always put the safety of their homeland before any loyalty to their employer. For this reason, Swiss mercenaries cannot be used if your opponent is using either a Swiss or a French army. The French throughout the period were the major employer of Swiss mercenaries and there developed a strong bond of loyalty between the Swiss and the Kings of France.
 
The Battle of the Martin von Gelt Hiring cost: 23 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of the Wolf Klienspielplatz Hiring cost: 20 Ducats
Two companies of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
The Battle of the Hans Oberberdorf Hiring cost: 13 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(S)
A company of Schutzen Ps(S)
 
The Battle of the Siegfried von Saltzdorf Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(S)
 
False Swiss mercenary bands
 
The false Swiss, are troops hired in the belief that they are the feared pikemen from the Swiss cantons. In fact, these troops are from somewhere near Switzerland, gathered by unscrupulous recruiters. The shortcomings of these troops were usually discovered in battle.
 
The Battle of the Pierre du Bois Hiring cost: 18 Ducats
Two companies of False Swiss Pikemen Pk(O)
A company of False Swiss Schutzen Ps(O)
The Battle of the Deiter Unterdenlinden Hiring cost: 16 Ducats
Two companies of False Swiss Pikemen Pk(O)
 
 
ENGLAND
 
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, England was isolated to some extent at the periphery of Europe. The major cultural and technological changes brought about by the Renaissance and Reformation, seemed to have passed England (and the rest of the British Isles) by. Henry VIII began a series of reforms in an attempt to modernize the English army. Pikes and arquebuses were introduced, modern cannon purchased and cast. Despite Henry’s reforms, these new weapons were still in the minority and foreign mercenaries had to be hired to provide sufficient ‘modern’ troops. The English army remained a small, quaint and slightly old fashioned force when compared to its contemporaries.
 
There are two set of force lists for the English army. The first represents the army of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries and the second, the army after Henry’s reforms had time to take effect. The word regiment is used to indicate one of the medieval style battles that the army was still divided into.
 
Allies
 
Although Henry maintained a close relationship with the Holy Roman Emperors, none actually provided him with troops. They preferred to treat Henry’s armies as providing them with allies, rather than vice versa.
 
Early English Army
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of King’s Guard Kn(S)
 
The Regiment of Lord Rockingham Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
Two companies of Billmen Bd(O)
Four companies of Archers Bw(S)
 
The Regiment of Sir William Craig Hiring cost: 42 Ducats
Two companies of Billmen Bd(O)
Four companies of Archers Bw(S)
 
The Regiment of Sir Walter Rufus Hiring cost: 40 Ducats
Two companies of Billmen Bd(I)
Four companies of Archers Bw(O)
 
The Battle of Lord Elpus Hiring cost: 33 Ducats
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(O)
A company of Border Reivers Kn(F)
Two companies of Border Horse LH(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Billmen Bd(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to three companies of Archers Bw(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Border Reivers Kn(F) Hiring cost: 11 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
 
Later English Army
 
Mercenaries
The later army may hire German and Reiter mercenaries together with infantry from the Italian mercenary bands.
 
Personal Troops of the General Hiring cost: 0 Ducats
A company of King’s Guard Kn(S)
 
The Regiment of Sir Reginald de Courcy Hiring cost: 40 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(O)
Two companies of Billmen Bd(O)
Two companies of Archers Bw(S)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Regiment of Lord Sutch Hiring cost: 40 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(O)
Two companies of Billmen Bd(O)
Two companies of Archers Bw(S)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Regiment of Sir Richard Whittington Hiring cost: 36 Ducats
A company of Pikemen Pk(I)
Two companies of Billmen Bd(I)
Two companies of Archers Bw(O)
A company of Arquebusiers Sh(I)
 
The Battle of Sir Ralph Rafeson Hiring cost: 33 Ducats
A company of Men-at-arms Kn(O)
A company of Border Reivers Kn(I)
Two companies of Border Horse LH(O)
 
Companies hired individually
Up to one company of Billmen Bd(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats
Up to three companies of Archers Bw(O) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Border Reivers Kn(F) Hiring cost: 11 Ducats
Up to two companies of Artillery Art(S) Hiring cost: 13 Ducats per company
Up to one company of Artillery Art(O) Hiring cost: 10 Ducats
Up to one company of Artillery Art(I) Hiring cost: 5 Ducats

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