Hesse, the name of a group of mercenaries who were once magnificent. The group of mercenaries did not appear on a large scale in the East. But in Europe, mercenaries had enough soil and nutrients to survive. Because, for a long time, there was no shortage of wars here. It's just that there is a lack of enough soldiers to ensure victory in the war.

Before the end of the feudal system, wars between city lords, wars between lords, and wars between kingdoms ...... Endless. And this kind of war, which is usually small in scale and very frequent, naturally gave birth to some people who make a living from war. They are professional warriors, but they are not affiliated with anyone.

Whoever gives money, they belong to. This custom can be traced back to the Greco-Persian Wars. Greece is a city-state system, and the population is already pitiful. If you want to wrestle with the powerful Persia, you naturally have to bring in a large number of people from outside. And it must be someone who can fight.

Obviously, these mercenaries are very useful. You don't have to worry too much about them, just give them money and they will dare to fight anyone for you. They have a good reputation, at least on the battlefield. As a result, in the later Peloponnesian campaign, both Athens and Sparta hired a large number of mercenaries.

Yes, it's the Sparta that was blown into a myth by the movie. But when it comes to gold, Sparta doesn't have as much as Athens. So they did not hesitate to take refuge in Persia, opened their pockets and loaded a large amount of gold coins from the Persians, and finally killed Athens in one go.

But the mercenaries at that time did not form a complete brand and team, but were simply divided into several regions and some free small organizations. The Highlands, the Holy Roman Mercenaries, the Mediterranean, became the three largest regions. Sometimes they would band together to accept the employment of one family, and sometimes they would disperse to two rival families to fight each other.

They are very popular, but they are also notorious. But who cares?! They just have to sell their lives, and no one cares what they will do outside of combat. It was also at this time that a country now known as the "window of the welfare state" began to rise gradually. Of course, the start was bloody. It is on the blood of others, and on one's own.

Switzerland. At the time, they weren't in the best conditions they have now. Poverty and hunger plague them, and there is only one way to get money at this time, and the quickest way to get it: go to the battlefield. Initially, only a small number of Swiss who were unwilling to remain poor joined the ranks of mercenaries.

When they returned with the relics of their companions, as well as a large amount of gold and loot, more people began to follow in their footsteps and join the ranks. In the 15th century, the Swiss cantons began to consciously train warriors and people, pushing a large number of Swiss mercenaries to the battlefield.

By the 14th century, Swiss mercenaries were already taking shape. They are even equipped with separate cannons, rifles, and their signature weapon, the halberd. After years of actual combat, those Swiss mercenaries who survived the war constantly adjusted their tactics and strengthened the training of newcomers.

In the end, they formed their own set of combat systems. Their rigorous training and excellent tactics have also earned them enough prestige and trust among mercenary circles and employers. In 1315, in the Battle of Morgarten, more than 3,000 Swiss mercenaries were ambushed, causing nearly 1,500 casualties to the enemy Austrian army.

But at this time, Switzerland was not yet a unified country. At this time, they were still called the "Schwyz League". That victory strengthened the prestige of the Alliance. It also led to the surrounding tribes choosing to join the alliance, forming the prototype of what would become Switzerland. Subsequently, uniform cross-flag attire began to appear among the crowd of Swiss mercenaries.

During the Battle of Laubory, 6,000 Swiss soldiers attacked the 12,000 Austrian soldiers besieging the city of Laupy, quickly routed the enemy infantry, and then raised their spears to fend off the Austrian cavalry coming from three sides. The bold attack and strict discipline of the Swiss mercenaries led the employers of the battle to victory. It also made a name for them.

Then they began to move towards statehood. But their history as mercenaries has not dissipated. On the contrary, their history as mercenaries is constantly expanding. In addition to assisting employers in their offenses, their claim to fame stems from several loyal protections to their employers.

In 1527, Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire launched an attack on the Holy See. The head of the Holy See at the time was tasked with protecting the Swiss mercenary guard, which numbered 189 people. Of these 189 people, 147 were killed in battle. The rest became the only remaining army in the city.

From that time until today, only Swiss are qualified to serve as the Holy See's Guard. The Holy See's Escort is therefore also known as the "Swiss Escort". The second was the period of great change in France.

In 1792, the French Revolution attacked the Tuileries Palace. At that time, the Swiss mercenary guard, which was responsible for the security of Louis XVI and Queen Marie, was more than 700 people. In front of an opponent who was dozens of times their number, all the guards of more than 700 people were killed and none of them fled.

In honor of these Swiss mercenaries who died in a foreign land, a sculpture was erected in Lucerne, Switzerland: the dying stone lion.