Stratioti
| Stratioti | |
|---|---|
French engraving of c. 1500 depicting stradioti of the Venetian Army at the Battle of Fornovo | |
| Active | 15th to 18th centuries |
| Type | Mercenary unit |
| Role | Light cavalry |
The Stratioti or Stradioti were mercenary units from the Balkans recruited mainly by states of Southern Europe and Central Europe from the 15th century until the middle of the 18th century. They were largely of Albanian origin (about 80%), others were of Greek (most of whom were captains) and South Slavic origin. They pioneered light cavalry tactics in European armies in the early modern era.