PIKEMEN Meaning and
Definition
-
Pikemen are soldiers or warriors who are equipped with long thrusting spears called pikes. They historically served as an important component of military forces and played a prominent role in battlefield formations and tactics. The term "pikemen" is derived from the weapon they wield, the pike, which is characterized by a long shaft up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length with a pointed metal tip.
Pikemen are known for their effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations. As part of a heavily armed infantry formation known as a pike square or pike block, pikemen would create a formidable wall of spears that could repel mounted knights and cavalry charges. Their spears, often featuring long, sharp blades, allowed them to engage enemies from a distance while maintaining a strong formation. Pikemen would advance in unison, utilizing their weapons to both stab and thrust at opponents, keeping attackers at bay.
Throughout history, pikemen have been employed in various military contexts. They were particularly prominent during the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, forming the backbone of European armies. However, the advent of firearms and new military technologies gradually made pike formations obsolete. By the late 17th century, pikemen were largely replaced by musketeers and other infantry units armed with firearms. Nonetheless, their role in various historical conflicts remains significant and their tactics have influenced military strategies for centuries.
Etymology of PIKEMEN
The word "pikemen" originated from the combination of two English words: "pike" and "men". The term "pike" originally referred to a long thrusting weapon, a type of spear with a long shaft and a pointed metal tip. It comes from the Old English word "pic", meaning a pointed weapon. "Men" is a plural form of the word "man", denoting soldiers or individuals. Thus, "pikemen" can be understood as "men armed with pikes". In military contexts, pikemen were infantry soldiers who specialized in using pikes as their primary weapon. The term emerged around the 16th century and was commonly used during the Renaissance and early modern period.
