Highwaymen were robbers who targeted travelers on public roads, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. They often operated on horseback, using their speed and agility to ambush unsuspecting victims. Highwaymen became notorious for their daring heists and sometimes romanticized in literature and folklore. These criminals typically demanded money, valuables, or even horses from their victims, often using threats or violence. The rise of law enforcement and improved road safety measures eventually led to the decline of highwaymen. Famous figures like Dick Turpin and Claude Duval became legendary, symbolizing the adventurous yet dangerous life of these outlaws.