Highwaymen were criminals who robbed travelers on public roads, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. They often operated on horseback, using the element of surprise to ambush their victims. Highwaymen became notorious for their daring exploits and were sometimes romanticized in literature and folklore. These outlaws typically targeted wealthy individuals, demanding money and valuables at gunpoint. The rise of highwaymen coincided with increased trade and travel, leading to greater opportunities for robbery. Law enforcement eventually improved, and many highwaymen were captured or killed, leading to a decline in their activities by the 19th century.