History Profiles episodes
The Legendary Winged Hussars: Europe's Elite Cavalry

The Legendary Winged Hussars: Europe's Elite Cavalry

The Winged Hussars were an elite heavy cavalry unit serving Poland and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1503 to 1702. Their name derives from the impressive feathered wings on their backs, designed to instill fear and confusion in enemies during charges. Renowned for their effectiveness, they often defeated forces much larger than their own.

For generations, these elite warriors marked their prominence in Polish cavalry, earning the nickname “angels of death” on the battlefield. They played pivotal roles in many of Europe’s iconic battles. After their military service ended, the hussars transitioned to ceremonial duties, concluding a remarkable military era.


Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar

Watch the video here.

#Winged Hussars, #Polish history, #elite cavalry, #angels of death, #cavalry charge, #Battle of Kircholm, #Battle of Klushino, #Battle of Khotyn, #Battle of Vienna, #Battle of Kliszów, #military history


Timeline

00:00:Introduction

01:20:Origins

03:12:Armour & Weapons

05:52:Battle of Kircholm (1605)

09:32:Battle of Klushino (1610)

13:39:Battle of Khotyn (1673)

15:41:Battle of Vienna (1683)

18:24:Battle of Kliszów (1702)

21:00:End of an Era & Legacy