Die Geharnischten

Die Geharnischten is a citizens' pike company in Torgau, Saxony, made up of armed townspeople. The group has more than 80 members organized in different divisions and appears at cultural events throughout the city.

The organization was founded in 1344 and represents one of the earliest citizen militias in Germany. It played an important role in local defense and was an early example of citizens organizing for community protection.

The name 'The Armored Ones' refers to the armed citizens who organized themselves to defend the city. Today you can see members at festivals wearing historical armor and showing how people lived in medieval times.

You can see members at festivals and events in Torgau where they perform in historical costumes. Check local event calendars to find out when and where the group appears publicly.

At events, members demonstrate historical combat techniques and recreate medieval camp scenes. These presentations give visitors a realistic sense of how citizen soldiers lived and trained back then.

Location: Torgau

Inception: 1344

GPS coordinates: 51.54577,12.99537

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43