A Cuirassier is a type of heavy cavalry soldier who was prominent in European armies from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They were known for wearing a distinctive armor called a cuirass, which protected their chest and back. Cuirassiers typically rode large horses and were armed with swords and pistols, making them formidable in battle. The role of cuirassiers evolved over time, especially during the Napoleonic Wars, where they played a crucial part in cavalry charges. Their heavy armor provided protection in combat, but as warfare changed, the effectiveness of heavily armored cavalry diminished, leading to their decline in modern military tactics.