Although the Swiss are now famous for their neutrality, during the Renaissance these men from the Alps became the most feared warriors in Europe. Competing Italian princes hired them by the thousand. Over the centuries Swiss mercenaries would find themselves in the employ of everyone from the Bourbon Kings of France to the Vatican. Even today, the Pope's bodyguard is composed of Swiss Catholics. Here is a more in-depth look at the history of these unique men: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_mercenaries