You could sum up the Italian Wars of 1494 - 1559 in one word and that is Colourful. This guide to Wargaming the period helps you bring that spectacle to the table top. Everything you need is here to begin recreating battles in this exciting time in history. The period saw the end of the dominance over battlefield of the heavily armoured mounted Men at Arms and the use of huge seemingly unstoppable Pike Blocks containing thousands of soldiers. Foot soldiers fought with Pike, Polearm, Sword and on occasion the fearsome Zweihander. Ranged warfare saw the Crossbow fall out of favour and the development and increased use of Gunpowder. No single arm was dominant, careful use of the combined qualities of the various troop types was therefore essential for victory. Dress for the soldiers of the time was very flamboyant consisting of bright clothing of many different colours and hats adorned with large feather plumes. Huge flags, in great numbers flew above each of the units which made a
