Halberdiers were soldiers who wielded a weapon called a halberd, which is a combination of a spear and an axe. This versatile weapon allowed them to fight effectively against both infantry and cavalry. Halberdiers were commonly used in European armies from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance, often serving as part of the infantry. These troops were typically well-trained and played a crucial role in battles and military formations. In addition to their halberds, halberdiers sometimes carried sidearms like swords or pistols for close combat. Their distinctive appearance and weaponry made them a recognizable part of historical military units.