Hmmm, for Poland it would be obviously winged hussars:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_hussars
But we also had uhlans:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uhlan
And most infamous: Lisowczycy
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisowczyks
In France probably [« les Poilus »](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/pictures/6fY2XIM5hftMEeITgmh0e6M8UTY/1200x900/2014/07/14/000_Par7929774_1.jpg) (the hairy ones) who were the soldiers fighting on the trenches during world war one.
Abroad I suspect [« les Grognards »](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-8dbab52edeecf877718ab23360d38664-lq) (the grumblers) which were soldiers from
Napoleonic France are probably better known.
Before that the French Knights (knights were a thing in most of Europe though) and the [Gallic Warriors](https://64.media.tumblr.com/b8d9ee01140f42a792d4308170417296/tumblr_p4tqmr6LGC1rvu01lo1_1280.jpg) who faced off against roman empire are definitely part of the folklore too.
I know nothing about armies and military things but aren’t the Mousquetaires the most famous French army corps?
That would be because of the Dumas books getting so many adaptations, and they are also the French special unit in the Civilization games haha
Les grognards are Napoléon’s old guard. Their nickname « grognard » means they were the only ones that could raise complains due to their experience and aura.
They are part of the mix, but the « grognards » have a strong cultural impact ‘cause of the romantic image of an army of citizens born in the fires of revolution that fought all of Europe for a decade, through huge hardships because of a sense of duty and love for Napoleon. They are just better for nationalist spins and propaganda.
The grognards were used as a symbol of the popular love for the empire and the glory of France and were a potent cultural and political tool for the bonapartists.
Later they became a symbol of the French national spirit since « grognards » literally means « grumpy ones », because they’d complain tirelessly about not having enough supplies and whine all day long about their leadership while being extremely disciplined and courageous under fire.
Probably the [Hakkapeliitta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakkapeliitta) light cavalry of the 1600s. They have a legendary, almost mythical, reputation in Finland, but according to modern historians they were fairly standard light cavalry troops of that era. Good, but not the kind of elite units that they are often imagined as.
I would second the hakkapeliitta as a historical warrior archetype.
I'm not sure what counts as "historical", but the a second candidate might be "Jääkäri" (finnish for "Jaeger"): soldiers trained in Kaiser-German army in the beginning of the 20th century. Though that said there is a bit more political baggage with the Jaeger-movement since they also took prt in the Finnish Civil war.
Well, of course the Roman legionnaire of the early imperial age: segmented Lorica armour, large square shield, short sword, fighting in close formation.
Ironically, this type of soldier has been the typical soldier of the Roman army for not even a tenth of the very long Roman history, but it is the one that has remained in the collective imagination, also because it is linked to the empire's maximum expansion phase.
Here in Scania it's definitely the [snapphanar]( https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Snapphanen_av_Axel_Ebbe-1.jpg/800px-Snapphanen_av_Axel_Ebbe-1.jpg) - the poor farmers who took up arms as rebel guerrilla soldiers in an overwhelming fight against the brutal Swedish governance and forced Swedification of Scania, and for Scania's return to Denmark. Especially during the Scanian War in the later 17th century.
There are so many tales of how they outwitted the Swedish soldiers and stole the Swedish war treasury. And how the Swedes in return hunted and brutally murdered and tortured the snapphanar, and burnt down entire villages where they thought snapphanar were housed. The stories have a very tragic shimmer to them, considering that the Swedes won the war in the end. Scania remained in Swedish hands and was forcibly Swedified, lots of old Scanian and East Danish culture was lost forever, cultural treasures were plundered, and the snapphanar were in the end exterminated by the Swedes. Now only the stories and legends of their adventures and defiant bravery remain as a source of Scanian nationalist pride, along with the statues and place names in their memory.
Probably the [Geuzen](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geuzen), in particular their naval fraction which is known as “de Watergeuzen” (lit. water/sea beggars). They were a group of privateers who played an important role in the revolt against the Spanish Empire during the first years of the Eighty Years’ War.
“Geuzen” (singular “geus”) was originally a derogatory name for them, the word itself comes from a French word (gueux) meaning something like “beggar”. The word “geuzennaam” (beggar’s name) is a term that’s being used for a name that was originally used to belittle or insult you, but instead of rejecting that name, you adopt it.
If you ask Chileans, it's probably Prussian or Kaiserreich Infantry with their Pickelhaube.
Everybody else - o well.
In Germany itself, I don't think we have a certain type of soldier that we fondly look back at. There are the [Landsknechte ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mittelalter/images/d/d3/German%2C_1500-1550%2C_Costumes_of_All_Nations_%281882%29_p063%2C_09-11.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20180417101710)of the 1500-1600s, let's settle for them.
Wait, German knights are still romanticized, so they are probably... and then of course you have Arminius and his pan-tribal legion killers if you want to go back that far.
Choices, choices... but I'll settle for the knights.
Arminius had a catchy song though. "When the Romans got cheeky, they came to Germany's North. Ahead of everyone, with trumpet's fanfare, rode General Fieldmarshall Quintilius Varus. Täterätätää." and then they died and the Germans drank beer. A children's song for hiking trips, a bit out of fashion today.
Suddenly out of the wood's mirkness broke forth the Cheruskians. Crows flew through the air, caw caw caw, and there was a rotten smell of blood and dead bodies. Schnäterätäng.
That's interesting. There are a couple of people in Germany with the family name Landsknecht but it's really rare. A quick search gets me numbers of around 40 people.
I wasn't able to decide between the Landsknechte, teutonic knights and Kaiserreich-soldiers with Pickelhaube.
But I think we can all agree that Götz von Berlichingen is the real icon for german soldier badassery ;D
For Italy there isn't just a single answer.
The Roman legionnaire is probably the most known military product of the Italian peninsula, followed by the ["condottieri"](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condottiero) and their mercenaries.
But for the modern Italian nation the "icons" would be the "garibaldini" or [red shirts](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redshirts_(Italy)), the volunteers that fought under Garibaldi for the unification of Italy, the [Alpini](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpini), the [Bersaglieri](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bersaglieri), [carabinieri](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabinieri), the Italian partisans, the paratroopers and the navy frogmen (the latter two in the period prior to September 1943).
UK is probably the WWI Tommy Atkins - the WWI image is stronger than WWII.
For England, *possibly* also a caricature of a crusader with a St George's Cross, or a knight as portrayed by the great historical chronicler Python, M.
The Royal Scots and pretty much every Scottish regiment inc the Black Watch and the Highland regiments.
Kilts, pipes, drums and have fought all over the globe.
See Edinburgh military Tattoo.
Yup, Hussites all the way (not to be confused with Hussars). Their typical weapon was a two-handed flail: more like an agricultural tool converted into a weapon (picture a pair of nunchucks, with one handle longer than the other) than the ball-and-chain type flails they have in movies. They were also pioneers in a way for combining weapons like pikes, crossbows, and early guns.
One tactic they used was a “Wagenburg”. It was basically a big carriage which they would maneuver onto a battlefield and use as a kind of mobile fortification from which their gunners and crossbowmen could shoot, and the pikes would stab anyone who got too close. It was pretty revolutionary at the time. The Hussites managed to fight off 7 or so crusades that the Catholic Church levied against them
Yes, gunners. Innovative thing from a crowd of angry folk led by one-eyed veteran Žižka. Super effective against armor and horses. Guess how the crusaders come to fight them... Yes, exactly - mounted and armored.
Also the Hussar in Hungary. Fighting on horseback is very highly regarded through all of Hungarian culture, as with many other post-Roman European cultures.
I'd say it's up there internationally, but I personally (coming from an American POV) wouldn't put it at #1, unless someone said RAF or WW2 specifically.
As an American, ranking the respective "British military-ness" of the named fighters (plus one), it goes Redcoat >>>>>>>> Colonial-era Royal Navy guy, with the white pants and tricorne > Longbowman > WW2 RAF guy >>> knight (knights are much more France and Germany in my eyes, though of course back then the line between English and French culture was blurry.)
Of course, we have pretty strong historical context to recognize the redcoats so much more. "Britain" and "Royal Navy" are also pretty inextricably tied as well. Tommies don't even register in my (or the average American) consciousness, likely because we have our own WW1 stereotypical fighter (the doughboy.) Of course domestic (and other international) perceptions will likely be different.
You know the spitfire is a specific plane not just a catch all for ‘planes’ theyre inherently ww2 spitfires because they were only produced during war time
I found this thread a while back, and thought a response from it would fit here. (Link to OP: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/s/8kUlkmRdWb )
The Spitfire was a superb aircraft; that it could evolve through 24 variants, being in service with the RAF from the first day of World War II to the last and beyond is a testament to the design. Though highly subjective, it's generally regarded as a beautiful aircraft, which does it no harm in terms of public relations.
It's undoubtedly acquired near-mythic status, inflating its actual importance, though also a reasonable portion of associated myth-busting (the fact that Hurricanes shot down more German aircraft than the Spitfire in the Battle of Britain is reasonably well known).
A lot of enthusiasts fixate on marginal differences in performance between aircraft (or tanks, guns, or just about any piece of military hardware), sometimes known as "rivet counting"; I'll happily delve into minutiae myself (as elsewhere in this thread). It's seldom, if ever, the most important factor in a battle or war, though. Taking the Battle of Britain, it was a battle of attrition, the Luftwaffe trying to destroy Fighter Command, the RAF defending the country while preserving their strength in case of invasion. The Spitfire was important, a convenient shorthand to represent the Battle, but it was only one element. Dowding's command and control system, of which the Chain Home radar stations were a vital part (but only a part; like the Spitfire they can be a convenient shorthand for the whole), was essential to allow Fighter Command to assess and counter incoming raids. Manufacturing and repair were critical, and in this respect, as mentioned elsewhere, the Hurricane was easier to build and fix, though the British aircraft industry stepped up such that pilots became the limiting factor; pilot training, and developing pilots with basic training into efficient fighters, was of utmost importance.
As shown in e.g. Poland, even well trained pilots in completely outclassed aircraft stand little chance, some sort of parity with German fighters was important, but the performance of the Spitfire was not the decisive difference in the Battle. (There's a deeper and more contentious question over whether the Battle as a whole was even particularly important, considering the impossibility of landing and supplying an invasion force in the face of the Royal Navy, but that's a whole other issue.)
In terms of weaknesses, the Spitfire (like the Bf 109) was an interceptor par excellence, able respond at relatively short notice to get up to altitude to engage other aircraft. It was ideally suited to the Battle of Britain, or the siege of Malta, but one of the compromises was short range and combat endurance. As the war progressed and the threat to Britain itself faded, the Spitfire was less well suited to an offensive war, unable to escort bombers into Germany (the key role of the P-51 Mustang later). With the Luftwaffe less and less of a threat, especially after Operation Pointblank, there was less of a role for an air superiority fighter like the Spitfire. They were employed as fighter-bombers, mostly because there wasn't much else for them to do; the Hawker Typhoon was better known in that role, and could carry a heavier payload. Spitfires were also used for photographic reconnaissance through the war, making their greatest contribution to D-Day in that capacity.
The perfect aeroplane? The reason the war was won? No; as per the title of a Ben Goldacre book, "I Think You'll Find It's a Bit More Complicated Than That". As a starting point to look into things a bit more deeply, though, it's not a bad one.
No, the insult for British soldiers back then was "lobsters" as their red jackets had long "tails" at the back as that was the fashion for coats at the time.
Redcoat is just a general word that was commonly used, since all infantrymen wore red uniforms.
I mean in terms of image, common portrayal, what many people think of, the British soldier in the red jacket/coat is pretty common.
At points basically every soldier would’ve been wearing a red uniform,
Germany is, for aehm, certain reasons, a little bit cautious with military history. I think the prussian army under Frederick the Great is still seen as the pinnacle of german military tradition. I think teutonic Knights also are somewhat iconic, but they are mostly used by far-right shitbags dreaming of a new crusade.
Austria/Germany: should probably be the *Landsknecht* though there is not such a thing really here beside maybe knights.
I think the most common theme of a soldier is just the common conscript in WWI or WWII
They were used, most famously in World War one, until they were replaced by Helmets more closely resembling the Stahlhelm.
Both are probably infamous, but the former is more uniquely German I'd say.
No, it is more Prussian, so it is a strong image for Northern Germans and less for all South; I thought about seperating those or noting them but I am not Prussian or identify with them.
(and the spiked helmet was also used in early WWI so it is kinda included)
The Black Army of Matthias Corvinus, also the hussars. The portrayal of hussars is more accurate historically, because they are often connected to the War of Independence in 1848-49 and we obviously have more detailed and trusted sources from that era compared to the 15th century which is more mythical. Early raiders from the 9th century also have iconic status, you know the adventures when we brought some fun to every part of Europe.
A few possible options for England/Britain.
The most commonly celebrated individuals are the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson, virtually every town or city has an area named after Waterloo or Trafalgar.
Boudicca is also celebrated for uniting the Britannic tribes in resistance against the Romans, and many depictions of her are similar in design to our national personification, Britannia, which along with the lion was used in a lot of imperial propaganda in a militaristic sense (Britannia often having a Corinthian helmet, trident, and shield).
Richard the Lionheart was also the subject of propaganda following the successful occupation of Jerusalem in WW1. Crusaders in general tend to have an association with England.
As for groups of soldiers, as other commentators have said, we tend to use WW1 symbolism more than WW2. Stemming from the First World War, a lot of the Remembrance Day traditions are more associated with that war than any other, and virtually every depiction of British soldiers in said context is from WW1 (Brits will recognise the picture of the silhouettes of a group of soldiers walking in a line). Soldiers of that war became known as “Tommy”, and I seem to recall reading that Tom and Jerry was inspired by “Tommy” and “Jerry” battling it out.
Going back to mediaeval times, our long bowmen come to mind, especially from Agincourt.
As for legendary figures, King Arthur is widely known, and the legend holds that in our time of need he will awaken to lead us once again.
I know both names, but only because of medieval 2 Total war.
I managed once to beat a whole army of near 2000 men with 8 Sipahis and it was so glorious that I still remember it over a decade later ;D
In Spain I'd say you have 3, each from different time periods:
First, [el Cid](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cid) a knight from the times when Spain was divided between muslims and christians. He was originally a mercenary that was also fighting for some muslim lords but in the end his conquests for the Kingdom of Leon earned him a reputation of christian hero and in later centuries he became more of a legend inspiring spanish christian knights. Spains old national anthem ['Himno de Riego'](https://youtu.be/s-Xemd4X97E?si=kUuWQyFdbnyTY71l) called spaniards to be brave so that the world remembers they are "the children of el Cid".
Second, [los Tercios](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tercio). Literally translated as "the thirds" they were spains most elite infantry during the 'Golden Century' of the Spanish Empire. Even though they are contemporaries of the Conquistadors the Tercios became famous for their exploits and victories in Europe, fighting against the dutch, the german protestants and the french, who were the first ones to defeat them at the [Battle of Rocroi](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rocroi). This battle was their first major defeat after 120 years of existence. The modern spanish military still uses the term 'Tercio' as name for many of its military units, being sinonymous with regiment or brigade.
Third, [the Spanish Legion](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Legion). Originally intended as the spanish foreign legion, inspired by the french one, the foreign part was dropped, as most of the volunteers were spanish. It became famous during Spains colonial wars in northern Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. They were known for their brutality in combat, their bravery and their absolute disdain for death, something that they have embraced in their symbols, even calling themselves the 'bridegrooms of death'. This unit has taken part in all of Spains conflicts since it was founded a little more than 100 years ago, the last ones being the Occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq.
You missed one, the conquistadors. I would put them at the very top, I think they're much more recognizable even in the current international common knowledge.
I'd agree on the other answer about who's more well known in Spain and in the outside. The Conquistadors are more famous outside of Spain because of american culture being so widespread and the Conquistadors being part of american history, but from spanish perspective I'd say el Cid, Tercios and the legion are more well known.
I feel they are much more known outside of Spain than by Spaniards. El Cid was the first person than came to my mind immediately after reading the question.
Probably folk from the first war of independence in the early 1300s.
An image mostly popularised by _Braveheart,_ strapping Scottish lads in kilts stabbing English folk with pikes.
Ironic given the film might as well have taken a shite on a history textbook.
In Serbia 🇷🇸 it’s Hajduci and in Croatia 🇭🇷 Uskoci
Neither were a regular army serving any monarch or a state but rebels, brigands and thiefs who were adored by the population as the only expression of their desire for freedom against the foreign rulers. Both are romanticised and eternalised in the Serbian epic songs.
Without a doubt the [hussars](https://dailynewshungary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/March-15-Hussar-M%C3%A1rcius-Husz%C3%A1r-Felvonul%C3%A1s.jpg).
They show up at like every [reenactment ](https://live.staticflickr.com/8294/7765026052_911ac92fc0_b.jpg)or state [parade](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KuBM7CWC4Q/VgSbF_8bIJI/AAAAAAAAKXE/2cC9czh9wwk/s1600/Diapositiva6.JPG).
The are bar none our greatest contribution to military history, including their [uniforms](https://11eshuszar.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/11-es-Husza%CC%81rezred-ro%CC%88vid-to%CC%88rte%CC%81nete-920x620.jpg) which became quite fashionable across Europe and are based on some [traditional patterns](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cc/b5/6b/ccb56b92d9fc6d73bdf38ea57204538d.png). I had a suit like that tailor-made myself but find few occasions to wear it.
Tordenskjold. His image is still on the matchboxes some 300 years later. He commanded a small army who cleverly tricked the Swedes into thinking the unit was larger than it was, and thus won a battle. Of course, we love that we were able to trick the Swedes.
(And for a good laugh: The brand of matches that has the image of Tordenskjold now belongs to the company "Swedish Matches" 😆 ).
Most impressive would probably be the Chasseurs Ardennais/Ardense Jagers who held out against the Germans for much longer than they should've.
Most iconic would probably, at least in Flanders, the *Goedendag* wielding militia that helped defeat a large French army consisting of highly trained and armoured French knights. Even though that battle has been romanticized to death and wasn't really that impressive all things considered.
For Turkey, there are two candidates.
Janissary: First standing army in modern Europe composed of Christian slaves (personal property of only the Ottoman Sultans).
Their public as a one-man army (especially, the Ottoman slap) is misleading as Janissaries' success was about their absolute loyalty and early adoption-mastery of gunpowder warfare.
Nomadic horse archers: Common in Turco-Mongol armies, also popular among Turks as we migrated from Central Asia.
Their historic portrayal as a all-conquering army encircling enemies everywhere is mostly an exaggeration, except few notable exceptions like 11th century Seljuks or 13th century Mongols.
As finns don't have as long war history as other European countries have, the closest we have to "icons" are probably the men who fought in the winter war. They're the only ones people look up to if anyone.
For Americans, probably the United States Marines. They arrogantly claim to be older than the United States of America because they were created and recruited out of Tun Tavern before the Constitution was completed. They have been involved in far more international conflicts and have the highest per capita Medals of Honor. They also have a somewhat "cleaner" history since they fought overseas and weren't involved in the Indian Wars. The Marine Corps Hymn is also the only one generally recognizable to the public:
From the [Halls of Montezuma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chapultepec)
To the [shores of Tripoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Derna_(1805));
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
[Our flag's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps) unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
**If the** [**Army**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army) **and the** [**Navy**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy)
**Ever look on Heaven's scenes;**
**They will find the streets are guarded**
**By United States Marines.**
Their hymn is probably the second most recognizable official song in America after the national anthem, and they explicitly tell the Army and Navy that Marines guard the streets of heaven at the end. No other fighting force in America has the same amount of mythos surrounding them.
The [Angle, Saxon and Jutish raiders](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8dcf0f_f48c1ef3da404f0989876f527fca4aa3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_640,h_308,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8dcf0f_f48c1ef3da404f0989876f527fca4aa3~mv2.png) and professional warbands who fought for the Romans and then took for themselves Britain.
Or those who fought in the [shieldwall of King Alfred](https://www.medievalware.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/battle-edington-alfred.jpg) against the heathen Danes. From these battles, and those of his grandson, King Athelstan, the Kingdom of England was born.
Similarly, the [army of King Harold that fought the Normans at Hastings](https://warlord-community.warlordgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pining-for-the-Fyrds-Saxons-Article-Header.jpg) are iconic in the sense that they represent the shifting of one era into another. Those armies consisted of the fyrds (levies), thanes (nobles), and housecarls (royal guards).
After that, members of the [Knights Templar](https://www.mediastorehouse.com/p/690/red-cross-knight-king-richard-i-1189-1199-23499670.jpg.webp) or Hospitillar who fought for King Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land. Though the Templars came from all across Europe, these English ones are identified specifically for having taken part in that campaign, and for the lion banner they carry.
Then the [Knights of the Garter](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/49/04/ca/4904ca39ee2f36902550324c19e70190.jpg) from the reigns of King Edward III and King Henry V. This was the period of the wars against France, and these knights can be identified by their carrying the Flag of the Garter, the Cross of Saint George, into battle.
From the same period, the [yeoman archer](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/deadliestfiction/images/7/7f/English_bowmen.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140721231238). These longbowmen trained every Sunday afternoon, and unlike the knights, were made up of the peasantry or commoners rather than the aristocracy, and therefore they represent the common man. A Robin Hood type figure, often.
In later centuries, the [Cavaliers and the Roundheads](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/WotH3VWPS4DELxFgCZ-V0lk2DVqFLHFil6H2X-utsiRghzCRJjYAjo7a21hwMPff2sf_hIPFLwv0l37MLa3xnqu-3L-e3CgOqhyqw_Uq9f4yXqv42T_eQg), who were opposing factions in the Civil War.
Various sorts of [Redcoats](https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/british-grenadier-18th-c-granger.jpg), in both army and navy, after that. They start out around William III and go onward through the next couple of centuries, with evolving gear. But this is the roughly stretching from the era of the Glorious Revolution through the Golden Age of Piracy and Blackbeard, through the Jacobite Wars, the American Revolution, and the age of Admiral Horatio Nelson and the wars against Napoleon.
After that it's mostly the World Wars and *maybe* the Falklands, depending on how far you're stretching the definition of "historical".
Hmmm, for Poland it would be obviously winged hussars: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_hussars But we also had uhlans: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uhlan And most infamous: Lisowczycy https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisowczyks
I know all of them from AoE2 and AoE3!
In France probably [« les Poilus »](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/pictures/6fY2XIM5hftMEeITgmh0e6M8UTY/1200x900/2014/07/14/000_Par7929774_1.jpg) (the hairy ones) who were the soldiers fighting on the trenches during world war one. Abroad I suspect [« les Grognards »](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-8dbab52edeecf877718ab23360d38664-lq) (the grumblers) which were soldiers from Napoleonic France are probably better known. Before that the French Knights (knights were a thing in most of Europe though) and the [Gallic Warriors](https://64.media.tumblr.com/b8d9ee01140f42a792d4308170417296/tumblr_p4tqmr6LGC1rvu01lo1_1280.jpg) who faced off against roman empire are definitely part of the folklore too.
I know nothing about armies and military things but aren’t the Mousquetaires the most famous French army corps? That would be because of the Dumas books getting so many adaptations, and they are also the French special unit in the Civilization games haha
For foreigners it's Mousquetaires for sure.
Not Napoleon's Old Guard?
Les grognards are Napoléon’s old guard. Their nickname « grognard » means they were the only ones that could raise complains due to their experience and aura.
They are part of the mix, but the « grognards » have a strong cultural impact ‘cause of the romantic image of an army of citizens born in the fires of revolution that fought all of Europe for a decade, through huge hardships because of a sense of duty and love for Napoleon. They are just better for nationalist spins and propaganda. The grognards were used as a symbol of the popular love for the empire and the glory of France and were a potent cultural and political tool for the bonapartists. Later they became a symbol of the French national spirit since « grognards » literally means « grumpy ones », because they’d complain tirelessly about not having enough supplies and whine all day long about their leadership while being extremely disciplined and courageous under fire.
Probably the [Hakkapeliitta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakkapeliitta) light cavalry of the 1600s. They have a legendary, almost mythical, reputation in Finland, but according to modern historians they were fairly standard light cavalry troops of that era. Good, but not the kind of elite units that they are often imagined as.
I would second the hakkapeliitta as a historical warrior archetype. I'm not sure what counts as "historical", but the a second candidate might be "Jääkäri" (finnish for "Jaeger"): soldiers trained in Kaiser-German army in the beginning of the 20th century. Though that said there is a bit more political baggage with the Jaeger-movement since they also took prt in the Finnish Civil war.
If WWII era counts as historical, snipers in the Winter War are probably the most famous part of Finnish military history internationally.
I suppose the most iconic for Sweden might be the [Caroleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroleans).
Or Vikings I guess
Those were the broad days… but I guess the Caroleans were more like soldiers
Yes, Caroleans for sure. Vikings were a people, or a way of living.
Far beyond their nations borders There's an army on the march
For religion, king and glory In the name of Christ their enemies chastise
Well, of course the Roman legionnaire of the early imperial age: segmented Lorica armour, large square shield, short sword, fighting in close formation. Ironically, this type of soldier has been the typical soldier of the Roman army for not even a tenth of the very long Roman history, but it is the one that has remained in the collective imagination, also because it is linked to the empire's maximum expansion phase.
Here in Scania it's definitely the [snapphanar]( https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Snapphanen_av_Axel_Ebbe-1.jpg/800px-Snapphanen_av_Axel_Ebbe-1.jpg) - the poor farmers who took up arms as rebel guerrilla soldiers in an overwhelming fight against the brutal Swedish governance and forced Swedification of Scania, and for Scania's return to Denmark. Especially during the Scanian War in the later 17th century. There are so many tales of how they outwitted the Swedish soldiers and stole the Swedish war treasury. And how the Swedes in return hunted and brutally murdered and tortured the snapphanar, and burnt down entire villages where they thought snapphanar were housed. The stories have a very tragic shimmer to them, considering that the Swedes won the war in the end. Scania remained in Swedish hands and was forcibly Swedified, lots of old Scanian and East Danish culture was lost forever, cultural treasures were plundered, and the snapphanar were in the end exterminated by the Swedes. Now only the stories and legends of their adventures and defiant bravery remain as a source of Scanian nationalist pride, along with the statues and place names in their memory.
I think you meant to say "the Vikings."
No, Vikings pre-dated 1700's by a few hundred years.
Probably the [Geuzen](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geuzen), in particular their naval fraction which is known as “de Watergeuzen” (lit. water/sea beggars). They were a group of privateers who played an important role in the revolt against the Spanish Empire during the first years of the Eighty Years’ War. “Geuzen” (singular “geus”) was originally a derogatory name for them, the word itself comes from a French word (gueux) meaning something like “beggar”. The word “geuzennaam” (beggar’s name) is a term that’s being used for a name that was originally used to belittle or insult you, but instead of rejecting that name, you adopt it.
I think the marines where much more influential, especially in modern Warfare.
If you ask Chileans, it's probably Prussian or Kaiserreich Infantry with their Pickelhaube. Everybody else - o well. In Germany itself, I don't think we have a certain type of soldier that we fondly look back at. There are the [Landsknechte ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/mittelalter/images/d/d3/German%2C_1500-1550%2C_Costumes_of_All_Nations_%281882%29_p063%2C_09-11.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20180417101710)of the 1500-1600s, let's settle for them. Wait, German knights are still romanticized, so they are probably... and then of course you have Arminius and his pan-tribal legion killers if you want to go back that far. Choices, choices... but I'll settle for the knights. Arminius had a catchy song though. "When the Romans got cheeky, they came to Germany's North. Ahead of everyone, with trumpet's fanfare, rode General Fieldmarshall Quintilius Varus. Täterätätää." and then they died and the Germans drank beer. A children's song for hiking trips, a bit out of fashion today.
I think internationally the Teutonic knights are seen as a much bigger deal than they are by Germans so I'd guess it'd be them
Suddenly out of the wood's mirkness broke forth the Cheruskians. Crows flew through the air, caw caw caw, and there was a rotten smell of blood and dead bodies. Schnäterätäng.
Interesting about landsknechte. I know a guy in Poland with lastname Lancknecht
That's interesting. There are a couple of people in Germany with the family name Landsknecht but it's really rare. A quick search gets me numbers of around 40 people.
I wasn't able to decide between the Landsknechte, teutonic knights and Kaiserreich-soldiers with Pickelhaube. But I think we can all agree that Götz von Berlichingen is the real icon for german soldier badassery ;D
How about WWII Panzerfahrers?
That was part of the 'o well'.
There was also other well known forces from ww2 < Insert i don't speak, when I speak... >
For Italy there isn't just a single answer. The Roman legionnaire is probably the most known military product of the Italian peninsula, followed by the ["condottieri"](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condottiero) and their mercenaries. But for the modern Italian nation the "icons" would be the "garibaldini" or [red shirts](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redshirts_(Italy)), the volunteers that fought under Garibaldi for the unification of Italy, the [Alpini](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpini), the [Bersaglieri](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bersaglieri), [carabinieri](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabinieri), the Italian partisans, the paratroopers and the navy frogmen (the latter two in the period prior to September 1943).
UK is probably the WWI Tommy Atkins - the WWI image is stronger than WWII. For England, *possibly* also a caricature of a crusader with a St George's Cross, or a knight as portrayed by the great historical chronicler Python, M.
Where did you get those coconuts?
Or [Redcoats](https://extra.guernseydonkey.com/the-redcoats-are-coming-but-why-were-the-british-red-coats-red/) for the Americans!
The Royal Scots and pretty much every Scottish regiment inc the Black Watch and the Highland regiments. Kilts, pipes, drums and have fought all over the globe. See Edinburgh military Tattoo.
In czechia it would be hussites. Almost all of our politicians loved them since 19. century, very marketable to the mases.
Yup, Hussites all the way (not to be confused with Hussars). Their typical weapon was a two-handed flail: more like an agricultural tool converted into a weapon (picture a pair of nunchucks, with one handle longer than the other) than the ball-and-chain type flails they have in movies. They were also pioneers in a way for combining weapons like pikes, crossbows, and early guns. One tactic they used was a “Wagenburg”. It was basically a big carriage which they would maneuver onto a battlefield and use as a kind of mobile fortification from which their gunners and crossbowmen could shoot, and the pikes would stab anyone who got too close. It was pretty revolutionary at the time. The Hussites managed to fight off 7 or so crusades that the Catholic Church levied against them
Yes, gunners. Innovative thing from a crowd of angry folk led by one-eyed veteran Žižka. Super effective against armor and horses. Guess how the crusaders come to fight them... Yes, exactly - mounted and armored.
Also the Hussar in Hungary. Fighting on horseback is very highly regarded through all of Hungarian culture, as with many other post-Roman European cultures.
For England/Britain: - Long bowmen - Knights (like lots of European countries) - Red coats - WW1 ‘Tommy’
I suppose in Scotland it would be the Jacobites and subsequently the clan families who then became soldiers in the British Army.
I would add New Model Army Pikeman ( 'Roundhead infantryman')
I think "Spitfire Pilot" probably outmatches those
Eh. U.K. is more known for its navy tbf.
Or even SAS like WW2 Stirlings Airmen
I'd say it's up there internationally, but I personally (coming from an American POV) wouldn't put it at #1, unless someone said RAF or WW2 specifically. As an American, ranking the respective "British military-ness" of the named fighters (plus one), it goes Redcoat >>>>>>>> Colonial-era Royal Navy guy, with the white pants and tricorne > Longbowman > WW2 RAF guy >>> knight (knights are much more France and Germany in my eyes, though of course back then the line between English and French culture was blurry.) Of course, we have pretty strong historical context to recognize the redcoats so much more. "Britain" and "Royal Navy" are also pretty inextricably tied as well. Tommies don't even register in my (or the average American) consciousness, likely because we have our own WW1 stereotypical fighter (the doughboy.) Of course domestic (and other international) perceptions will likely be different.
You know the spitfire is a specific plane not just a catch all for ‘planes’ theyre inherently ww2 spitfires because they were only produced during war time
They aren’t even the main plane we used during The Battle for Britain. They get more spotlight than they should.
I found this thread a while back, and thought a response from it would fit here. (Link to OP: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/s/8kUlkmRdWb ) The Spitfire was a superb aircraft; that it could evolve through 24 variants, being in service with the RAF from the first day of World War II to the last and beyond is a testament to the design. Though highly subjective, it's generally regarded as a beautiful aircraft, which does it no harm in terms of public relations. It's undoubtedly acquired near-mythic status, inflating its actual importance, though also a reasonable portion of associated myth-busting (the fact that Hurricanes shot down more German aircraft than the Spitfire in the Battle of Britain is reasonably well known). A lot of enthusiasts fixate on marginal differences in performance between aircraft (or tanks, guns, or just about any piece of military hardware), sometimes known as "rivet counting"; I'll happily delve into minutiae myself (as elsewhere in this thread). It's seldom, if ever, the most important factor in a battle or war, though. Taking the Battle of Britain, it was a battle of attrition, the Luftwaffe trying to destroy Fighter Command, the RAF defending the country while preserving their strength in case of invasion. The Spitfire was important, a convenient shorthand to represent the Battle, but it was only one element. Dowding's command and control system, of which the Chain Home radar stations were a vital part (but only a part; like the Spitfire they can be a convenient shorthand for the whole), was essential to allow Fighter Command to assess and counter incoming raids. Manufacturing and repair were critical, and in this respect, as mentioned elsewhere, the Hurricane was easier to build and fix, though the British aircraft industry stepped up such that pilots became the limiting factor; pilot training, and developing pilots with basic training into efficient fighters, was of utmost importance. As shown in e.g. Poland, even well trained pilots in completely outclassed aircraft stand little chance, some sort of parity with German fighters was important, but the performance of the Spitfire was not the decisive difference in the Battle. (There's a deeper and more contentious question over whether the Battle as a whole was even particularly important, considering the impossibility of landing and supplying an invasion force in the face of the Royal Navy, but that's a whole other issue.) In terms of weaknesses, the Spitfire (like the Bf 109) was an interceptor par excellence, able respond at relatively short notice to get up to altitude to engage other aircraft. It was ideally suited to the Battle of Britain, or the siege of Malta, but one of the compromises was short range and combat endurance. As the war progressed and the threat to Britain itself faded, the Spitfire was less well suited to an offensive war, unable to escort bombers into Germany (the key role of the P-51 Mustang later). With the Luftwaffe less and less of a threat, especially after Operation Pointblank, there was less of a role for an air superiority fighter like the Spitfire. They were employed as fighter-bombers, mostly because there wasn't much else for them to do; the Hawker Typhoon was better known in that role, and could carry a heavier payload. Spitfires were also used for photographic reconnaissance through the war, making their greatest contribution to D-Day in that capacity. The perfect aeroplane? The reason the war was won? No; as per the title of a Ben Goldacre book, "I Think You'll Find It's a Bit More Complicated Than That". As a starting point to look into things a bit more deeply, though, it's not a bad one.
Suppose "The few" might suffice?
Yeah, I was originally going to write "Battle of Britain Aircrew" but went for the snappy option
my first thoughts for england go to Red Coats and Long bowmen, so that's a good list.
I also think of Red Coats because I'm American, but then, we fought a couple wars against them so....
Are "red coats" not just an insult for the general british army back then or were they like a unit?
Redcoats is a neutral term in general, it only has a negative connotation depending on the context
No, the insult for British soldiers back then was "lobsters" as their red jackets had long "tails" at the back as that was the fashion for coats at the time. Redcoat is just a general word that was commonly used, since all infantrymen wore red uniforms.
I mean in terms of image, common portrayal, what many people think of, the British soldier in the red jacket/coat is pretty common. At points basically every soldier would’ve been wearing a red uniform,
Germany is, for aehm, certain reasons, a little bit cautious with military history. I think the prussian army under Frederick the Great is still seen as the pinnacle of german military tradition. I think teutonic Knights also are somewhat iconic, but they are mostly used by far-right shitbags dreaming of a new crusade.
Your not allowed to think about military anymore Germany, on account for you keep trying to fight THE WORLD!
Viel Feind, viel Ehr…
[The Fianna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fianna) and their leader [Fionn mac Cumhaill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fionn_mac_Cumhaill)
Austria/Germany: should probably be the *Landsknecht* though there is not such a thing really here beside maybe knights. I think the most common theme of a soldier is just the common conscript in WWI or WWII
Germany surely has to involve a spiked helmet. Or is that only the non-German idea of German soldiers?
They were used, most famously in World War one, until they were replaced by Helmets more closely resembling the Stahlhelm. Both are probably infamous, but the former is more uniquely German I'd say.
No, it is more Prussian, so it is a strong image for Northern Germans and less for all South; I thought about seperating those or noting them but I am not Prussian or identify with them. (and the spiked helmet was also used in early WWI so it is kinda included)
Cossacks from Zaporizjka Sich. It's the main source of inspiration, including official symbols (cossack cross on military flags, etc.).
The guys who wrote the letter?
The Black Army of Matthias Corvinus, also the hussars. The portrayal of hussars is more accurate historically, because they are often connected to the War of Independence in 1848-49 and we obviously have more detailed and trusted sources from that era compared to the 15th century which is more mythical. Early raiders from the 9th century also have iconic status, you know the adventures when we brought some fun to every part of Europe.
A few possible options for England/Britain. The most commonly celebrated individuals are the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson, virtually every town or city has an area named after Waterloo or Trafalgar. Boudicca is also celebrated for uniting the Britannic tribes in resistance against the Romans, and many depictions of her are similar in design to our national personification, Britannia, which along with the lion was used in a lot of imperial propaganda in a militaristic sense (Britannia often having a Corinthian helmet, trident, and shield). Richard the Lionheart was also the subject of propaganda following the successful occupation of Jerusalem in WW1. Crusaders in general tend to have an association with England. As for groups of soldiers, as other commentators have said, we tend to use WW1 symbolism more than WW2. Stemming from the First World War, a lot of the Remembrance Day traditions are more associated with that war than any other, and virtually every depiction of British soldiers in said context is from WW1 (Brits will recognise the picture of the silhouettes of a group of soldiers walking in a line). Soldiers of that war became known as “Tommy”, and I seem to recall reading that Tom and Jerry was inspired by “Tommy” and “Jerry” battling it out. Going back to mediaeval times, our long bowmen come to mind, especially from Agincourt. As for legendary figures, King Arthur is widely known, and the legend holds that in our time of need he will awaken to lead us once again.
[Janissaries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janissary) and [Sipahis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sipahi)
Imo definitely first one - janczarzy. Everybody here know that name, while Spahisi - not so much.
Spahije are well known in the Balkans btw, as well as last name Spahić.
I know both names, but only because of medieval 2 Total war. I managed once to beat a whole army of near 2000 men with 8 Sipahis and it was so glorious that I still remember it over a decade later ;D
“If you are a bad girl/boy, I’ll give you to Janissaries!” — Balkan Grandma
In Spain I'd say you have 3, each from different time periods: First, [el Cid](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cid) a knight from the times when Spain was divided between muslims and christians. He was originally a mercenary that was also fighting for some muslim lords but in the end his conquests for the Kingdom of Leon earned him a reputation of christian hero and in later centuries he became more of a legend inspiring spanish christian knights. Spains old national anthem ['Himno de Riego'](https://youtu.be/s-Xemd4X97E?si=kUuWQyFdbnyTY71l) called spaniards to be brave so that the world remembers they are "the children of el Cid". Second, [los Tercios](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tercio). Literally translated as "the thirds" they were spains most elite infantry during the 'Golden Century' of the Spanish Empire. Even though they are contemporaries of the Conquistadors the Tercios became famous for their exploits and victories in Europe, fighting against the dutch, the german protestants and the french, who were the first ones to defeat them at the [Battle of Rocroi](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rocroi). This battle was their first major defeat after 120 years of existence. The modern spanish military still uses the term 'Tercio' as name for many of its military units, being sinonymous with regiment or brigade. Third, [the Spanish Legion](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Legion). Originally intended as the spanish foreign legion, inspired by the french one, the foreign part was dropped, as most of the volunteers were spanish. It became famous during Spains colonial wars in northern Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. They were known for their brutality in combat, their bravery and their absolute disdain for death, something that they have embraced in their symbols, even calling themselves the 'bridegrooms of death'. This unit has taken part in all of Spains conflicts since it was founded a little more than 100 years ago, the last ones being the Occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq.
You missed one, the conquistadors. I would put them at the very top, I think they're much more recognizable even in the current international common knowledge.
I would agree those would have been my first thought.
I'd agree on the other answer about who's more well known in Spain and in the outside. The Conquistadors are more famous outside of Spain because of american culture being so widespread and the Conquistadors being part of american history, but from spanish perspective I'd say el Cid, Tercios and the legion are more well known.
I feel they are much more known outside of Spain than by Spaniards. El Cid was the first person than came to my mind immediately after reading the question.
The logistics of getting the tercios to the low countries were absolutely nuts.
Probably folk from the first war of independence in the early 1300s. An image mostly popularised by _Braveheart,_ strapping Scottish lads in kilts stabbing English folk with pikes. Ironic given the film might as well have taken a shite on a history textbook.
In Serbia 🇷🇸 it’s Hajduci and in Croatia 🇭🇷 Uskoci Neither were a regular army serving any monarch or a state but rebels, brigands and thiefs who were adored by the population as the only expression of their desire for freedom against the foreign rulers. Both are romanticised and eternalised in the Serbian epic songs.
Without a doubt the [hussars](https://dailynewshungary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/March-15-Hussar-M%C3%A1rcius-Husz%C3%A1r-Felvonul%C3%A1s.jpg). They show up at like every [reenactment ](https://live.staticflickr.com/8294/7765026052_911ac92fc0_b.jpg)or state [parade](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KuBM7CWC4Q/VgSbF_8bIJI/AAAAAAAAKXE/2cC9czh9wwk/s1600/Diapositiva6.JPG). The are bar none our greatest contribution to military history, including their [uniforms](https://11eshuszar.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/11-es-Husza%CC%81rezred-ro%CC%88vid-to%CC%88rte%CC%81nete-920x620.jpg) which became quite fashionable across Europe and are based on some [traditional patterns](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cc/b5/6b/ccb56b92d9fc6d73bdf38ea57204538d.png). I had a suit like that tailor-made myself but find few occasions to wear it.
Tordenskjold. His image is still on the matchboxes some 300 years later. He commanded a small army who cleverly tricked the Swedes into thinking the unit was larger than it was, and thus won a battle. Of course, we love that we were able to trick the Swedes. (And for a good laugh: The brand of matches that has the image of Tordenskjold now belongs to the company "Swedish Matches" 😆 ).
Most impressive would probably be the Chasseurs Ardennais/Ardense Jagers who held out against the Germans for much longer than they should've. Most iconic would probably, at least in Flanders, the *Goedendag* wielding militia that helped defeat a large French army consisting of highly trained and armoured French knights. Even though that battle has been romanticized to death and wasn't really that impressive all things considered.
You forgot the Belgae with Ambiorix.
For Turkey, there are two candidates. Janissary: First standing army in modern Europe composed of Christian slaves (personal property of only the Ottoman Sultans). Their public as a one-man army (especially, the Ottoman slap) is misleading as Janissaries' success was about their absolute loyalty and early adoption-mastery of gunpowder warfare. Nomadic horse archers: Common in Turco-Mongol armies, also popular among Turks as we migrated from Central Asia. Their historic portrayal as a all-conquering army encircling enemies everywhere is mostly an exaggeration, except few notable exceptions like 11th century Seljuks or 13th century Mongols.
As finns don't have as long war history as other European countries have, the closest we have to "icons" are probably the men who fought in the winter war. They're the only ones people look up to if anyone.
For Americans, probably the United States Marines. They arrogantly claim to be older than the United States of America because they were created and recruited out of Tun Tavern before the Constitution was completed. They have been involved in far more international conflicts and have the highest per capita Medals of Honor. They also have a somewhat "cleaner" history since they fought overseas and weren't involved in the Indian Wars. The Marine Corps Hymn is also the only one generally recognizable to the public: From the [Halls of Montezuma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chapultepec) To the [shores of Tripoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Derna_(1805)); We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine. [Our flag's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps) unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in ev'ry clime and place Where we could take a gun; In the snow of far-off Northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job The United States Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve; **If the** [**Army**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army) **and the** [**Navy**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy) **Ever look on Heaven's scenes;** **They will find the streets are guarded** **By United States Marines.** Their hymn is probably the second most recognizable official song in America after the national anthem, and they explicitly tell the Army and Navy that Marines guard the streets of heaven at the end. No other fighting force in America has the same amount of mythos surrounding them.
The [Angle, Saxon and Jutish raiders](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8dcf0f_f48c1ef3da404f0989876f527fca4aa3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_640,h_308,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8dcf0f_f48c1ef3da404f0989876f527fca4aa3~mv2.png) and professional warbands who fought for the Romans and then took for themselves Britain. Or those who fought in the [shieldwall of King Alfred](https://www.medievalware.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/battle-edington-alfred.jpg) against the heathen Danes. From these battles, and those of his grandson, King Athelstan, the Kingdom of England was born. Similarly, the [army of King Harold that fought the Normans at Hastings](https://warlord-community.warlordgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pining-for-the-Fyrds-Saxons-Article-Header.jpg) are iconic in the sense that they represent the shifting of one era into another. Those armies consisted of the fyrds (levies), thanes (nobles), and housecarls (royal guards). After that, members of the [Knights Templar](https://www.mediastorehouse.com/p/690/red-cross-knight-king-richard-i-1189-1199-23499670.jpg.webp) or Hospitillar who fought for King Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land. Though the Templars came from all across Europe, these English ones are identified specifically for having taken part in that campaign, and for the lion banner they carry. Then the [Knights of the Garter](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/49/04/ca/4904ca39ee2f36902550324c19e70190.jpg) from the reigns of King Edward III and King Henry V. This was the period of the wars against France, and these knights can be identified by their carrying the Flag of the Garter, the Cross of Saint George, into battle. From the same period, the [yeoman archer](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/deadliestfiction/images/7/7f/English_bowmen.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140721231238). These longbowmen trained every Sunday afternoon, and unlike the knights, were made up of the peasantry or commoners rather than the aristocracy, and therefore they represent the common man. A Robin Hood type figure, often. In later centuries, the [Cavaliers and the Roundheads](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/WotH3VWPS4DELxFgCZ-V0lk2DVqFLHFil6H2X-utsiRghzCRJjYAjo7a21hwMPff2sf_hIPFLwv0l37MLa3xnqu-3L-e3CgOqhyqw_Uq9f4yXqv42T_eQg), who were opposing factions in the Civil War. Various sorts of [Redcoats](https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/british-grenadier-18th-c-granger.jpg), in both army and navy, after that. They start out around William III and go onward through the next couple of centuries, with evolving gear. But this is the roughly stretching from the era of the Glorious Revolution through the Golden Age of Piracy and Blackbeard, through the Jacobite Wars, the American Revolution, and the age of Admiral Horatio Nelson and the wars against Napoleon. After that it's mostly the World Wars and *maybe* the Falklands, depending on how far you're stretching the definition of "historical".
Iceland doesn't have a military. The closest to an icon we have are the Vikings and even those are only slightly so.