B10007 LANCIER 17TH CENTURY

The French cavalry in the 17th century underwent a significant evolution and significant changes. Above all, it entered this century with a baggage of experiences from the period of French religious wars (1562-1598), and the first great conflict of the 17th century in which it had to take part was the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), into which France entered only in 1635 year. The French cavalry fought then not necessarily using only charge, but also placing considerable emphasis on the use of firearms. Although she was able to contribute to winning large battles (for example, the Battle of Rocroi in 1643), she was far from perfect. Significant changes in its structure took place during the long reign of Louis XIV, known as the Sun-King, who reigned independently in the years 1661-1715. Above all, heavy cavalry regiments, also known as line cavalry regiments, crystallized in the French army at that time. The cavalrymen of such regiments were armed with broadswords with a blade about 90 centimeters long, a pair of pistols and - sometimes - a cavalry rifle. They also used a cuirass very often, often consisting of a breastplate and a backplate. The heavy cavalry regiment in the French army in the second half of the 17th century had 324 full-time staff (the same as in dragoons), which in turn was divided into two squadrons. Each squadron in turn was divided into three companies.