(pre-LOTE 31) The original Swiss were known as the Helvetii, or Helvetic Celts. They were
subdued by the Romans, and thus became free-born subjects of the Roman Empire. Despite many invasions from east and west, they remained free
until the 13th century, when their independence was threatened by the ambitious Hapsburg dynasty of Austria. In 1291, three communities on the
shores of Lake Lucerne - Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden - known as the Waldstatte or 'Forest Cantons', formed an alliance against the Austrian aggressor.
This so-called 'Everlasting League', gave birth to the Swiss Confederation - the Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, which was forged together even more
firmly in 1315 after the battle of Mortgarten. The Treaty at Rutli in 1291 made the first mention of the word Eitgenose (literally 'sworn comrade') and
marks the actual birth of the Swiss Confederation.
In the course of the long struggle to assert their independence the Waldstatte were to be joined by other cantons and communities, so that by the beginning of the
16th century the Confederation had thirteen members.
During the struggle for Swiss independence, the 'New Romans' (as they later were to be termed by Machiavelli) were to become the most powerful and feared military force in Europe.
For centuries the mounted knights had ridden roughshod over the populations of Europe. It was in the Swiss halberdier and later the pikeman that the mounted men-at-arms were to meet their
match in the 14th and 15th centuries.
History: Lords 31
Swiss Military Information
Organization
Infantry Troops
Artillery and Banners
Skirmishing Troops
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