Maximilian I (reigned 1493-1519) was constantly embroiled in politics and warfare. His idealism and crusading spirit earned him the title of "the last knight." He conducted campaigns against the Hungarians during the 1490s.
Maximilian was a true Renaissance man. He was a writer and a great patron
of scholars and famous artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Hans
Burgkmair. In addition, he strongly supported the armorer's craft,
particularly in the imperial city of Innsbruck. Because of this patronage,
his name was given to a form of armor developed early in the 16th
century. "Maximilian" armor is characterized by its rounded surfaces
and broad-toed foot defenses. It is most often decorated with concave
flutes which imitate the folds of contemporary civilian clothing.
Maximilian knew the value of well-trained, professional footsoldiers, and created his own force of mercenary troops which he called Landsknechte. Recognizing the threat of imminent invasion of his Austrian territories, Maximilian actively undertook the military buildup of Styria. Here he constructed several armories and financed production of heavy guns.
Created: November 16, 1995. Last update: July 13, 2001 © Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation |
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