The Italian Wars Arquebusiers set contains 8 Renaissance infantry armed with arquebuses, providing valuable ranged support for armies of the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The Italian Wars saw firearms become an increasingly important feature of European battlefields. Arquebusiers initially fought alongside more established troops such as pikemen, halberdiers and crossbowmen, but their effectiveness became increasingly apparent as commanders developed new ways of combining pike and shot.

At the Battle of Cerignola in 1503, Spanish arquebusiers played a major part in defeating the attacking French army, an important demonstration of the battlefield potential of early firearms. As the Italian Wars continued, arquebusiers became increasingly integrated with pike formations: the firearm troops could harass and weaken an approaching enemy, while nearby pikemen offered protection against cavalry and close combat.

Arquebusiers were employed by a variety of forces during the period, making these figures suitable for use alongside Italian, Swiss, Landsknecht and other Renaissance troops. The eight different poses give plenty of variety for creating skirmish lines, supporting pike blocks or adding shot to a larger mixed infantry formation.

Pack contents:

• 8 Arquebusiers
• 8 different poses
• Armed with arquebuses

Supplied unpainted.