Reiters
Reiters were a class of mounted soldiers in early modern Europe, particularly in the German-speaking lands of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Habsburg Monarchy. The term derives from the German verb reiten, to ride, and denotes a rider or cavalryman. In English-language historiography, “Reiters” refers to the heavy cavalry regiments that emerged in the 16th century, distinct from medieval knights and from later types of cavalry.
Origins and development: Reiters developed from late medieval armored cavalry and became professional troops recruited by
Organization and equipment: A regiment of Reiters could number several hundred riders, organized under a captain
Role and campaigns: Reiters played a prominent role in many 16th- and 17th-century conflicts, including the
Decline and legacy: By the late 17th and early 18th centuries, evolving firearms, tactics, and the rise
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