Pikemen, armed with long pikes effective against cavalry, often stood at the front lines.
Their long weapons deterred enemy knights and cavalry from breaking through, providing a first line of defense for the archers and men-at-arms behind them.
Light infantry were less heavily armed and armored than knights and men-at-arms, and performed a variety of roles, from skirmishing and harassing enemy lines to acting as scouts or messengers.
Their agility and speed made them suitable for hit-and-run tactics, and they often filled gaps in the army where needed.
Siege engineers, though more commonly associated with sieges than open-field battles, had a specialized role in operating heavy machinery like trebuchets and catapults.
These machines could hurl large stones or fireballs, causing massive destruction and chaos among enemy ranks.
Siege engineers were crucial in breaching fortifications and could turn the tide of battle when used effectively.
Peasant soldiers, often referred to as levies, were the untrained masses that frequently made up the bulk of medieval armies.
Unlike knights or men-at-arms, who were professional soldiers with training and quality equipment, peasant soldiers were usually farmers, laborers, or craftsmen conscripted into service.
They were often poorly armed, sometimes with nothing more than farming tools like scythes or pitchforks, and their armor was rudimentary at best, often consisting of padded clothing or leather rather than metal.
Despite their lack of training and equipment, their sheer numbers made them a force to be reckoned with, especially when used effectively in combination with more skilled troops.
However, their inexperience also made them vulnerable, and they suffered high casualties, especially when pitted against well-trained or heavily armored opponents.
Peasant soldiers were the backbone of many medieval armies, providing the manpower that was often crucial for large-scale operations or sieges.
Finally, mercenaries, soldiers fighting for pay rather than loyalty, added an unpredictable element.
Their skills and equipment varied widely, and they could perform roles similar to men-at-arms or archers, depending on their expertise.
