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Pike and Shot Mixed Infantry Formation

Type Object Region Western Europe Time c. 1520–1700

The core tactical formation of Western European infantry in the first half of the 17th century, using a pike square as its backbone with matchlock mu…

Timeline

  1. c. 1632–1635German and Dutch battlefields · GermanySweden, the Netherlands, and the Imperial parties commonly adopted a pike-to-matchlock ratio of about 1:1 to 2:1 in actual combat; the depth and width of the formation were adjusted to the terrain, forming battalion-level units capable of independent action.
  2. c. 1638–1640England · EnglandParliamentary and Royalist forces introduced Continental mixed-formation experience, gradually increasing the proportion of musketeers and coordinating with field artillery; pike squares remained decisive against cavalry charges.

Sources