FLEMISH MERCENARY C. 1430

In the late Middle Ages (14th-14th centuries), a key element of the Flemish infantry was, in fact, the city's pedestrian militias, set up by the wealthy cities of Flanders. In the 14th century, their organization and recruitment was largely based on the guild organizations of the cities in question. Theoretically, they were intended only for the defense of city walls, but in practice they often stood in an open field. Due to the wealth of the cities of Flanders, the infantry of these cities was also very well armed. Chain mail and hat-type helmets were often used as defensive armaments. Some of the hikers used bows or crossbows as an offensive weapon. However, this role was dominated by a pique and a typically Flemish weapon called goedandag. There are many indications that this goedandag had a shaft from 120 to 150 centimeters long, which widened upwards, taking the shape of a peculiar club. At the top it was covered with an iron rim and topped with a skewer. There were also often swords, cleavers and long knives. Flemish infantry on the battlefield often adopted a defensive tactic preparing for the battle in compact formations, 8-10 ranks deep. The fact that the Flemish infantry could be a very difficult opponent is perfectly demonstrated by the result of the Battle of Courtrai in 1302 and the defeat suffered by the French knights.