BURGUNDIAN SERGEANTS AND ARCHERS 14-15C

The Duchy of Burgundy existed from the 11th to the 15th centuries and was the heir to the traditions of the Kingdom of Burgundy. The principality reached its peak in the period 1363-1477, when it was ruled by the side line of the French royal dynasty, i.e. the side branch of the Valois dynasty. The most outstanding ruler of Burgundy at that time was undoubtedly Prince John III the Good (reigned 1419-1467), and in the 15th century Burgundy itself controlled the areas of, among others: today's central-eastern part of France, Luxembourg, Belgium and a large part of the Netherlands. The army of this principality, especially during the reign of Charles the Bold (he ruled 1467-1477), was an efficient tool of warfare. This army included cavalry based on feudal knights, who, however, from 1471, began to create the so-called orderly companies (similar to those in France) of 600 men (with time this number increased), and what is more - their discipline was improved and they began to be paid a regular pay. Around 1475, these companies constituted the main element of the Burgundian cavalry. In addition to the cavalry, the Burgundian army in the times of Charles the Bold also had good infantry, composed mainly of mercenaries from England, Germany, France, but also from Italy. On the battlefield, on the one hand, infantry fought with a wheeled weapon (mainly a pike), but also on a large scale used throwing weapons - mainly a bow and crossbow. It is worth adding that during the times of Charles the Bold in the Burgundian army, artillery already played a role and was used not only during sieges, but also on the battlefield.