German Cuirassiers

myminifactory

German Cuirassiers for 15th and 16th Century Armies During the transitional phase of the 15th and 16th centuries, the European battlefield was undergoing significant changes, most notably due to the advent and refinement of firearms. The German Cuirassiers emerged as a response to these evolving threats, named for their prominent and nearly all-encompassing "cuirass" or armor. Representing the evolution of the medieval knight, these heavy cavalrymen combined the protection of plate armor with the mobility of mounted troops. German Cuirassiers were renowned for their shock and melee tactics. Clad in their heavy armor and often equipped with longswords, maces, and later, pistols, they charged enemy lines with devastating effect. Their main role was to break enemy formations, disrupt ranged units, and engage other cavalry units. Their impact was felt in a myriad of conflicts that marked this tumultuous era. From the internal wars within the Holy Roman Empire to the broader Italian Wars and the tumult of the Protestant Reformation, Cuirassiers were frequently at the forefront. Their steel-clad charge was a defining feature in battles like the Battle of Pavia (1525) and the confrontations of the Thirty Years' War. Printing at 100% resolution will yield a 28mm miniature. Prints at 105% are slightly more in scale with Perry Miniatures and 110% prints will be in a compatible scale with Warhammer Fantasy miniatures.