The advent of pike-and-shot tactics in 16th-century Europe completely upended these traditional arrangements. The Swiss had proven the worth of deep infantry formations in the 15th century, when their well-drilled pikemen won several unexpected victories over stronger opponents. The proliferation of handheld gunpowder weapons that same century led to experimentation with combined arms within infantry formations.
3000 men is roughly equivalent to a brigade/regiment and these deep formations actually include their own supporting ranks of men. So it’s a bit like a more modern brigade deploying “2 up, 1 back”
3000 men is roughly equivalent to a brigade/regiment and these deep formations actually include their own supporting ranks of men. So it’s a bit like a more modern brigade deploying “2 up, 1 back”
You mean in how most of the pike square isn't really engaged at any one time?