Oldest army

The oldest-established military unit in the world is the 80–90 strong Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican City, with a regular foundation dating back to 21 January 1506. Its origins, however, predate 1400. Originally instituted by Pope Julius II, who recruited members from the cantons of the Swiss confederacy, nowadays the guards are recruited from the Catholic cantons of central Switzerland. It is mainly thanks to Commandant Jules Repond (1910-1921), who was gifted with an exceptionally fine taste for colours and shapes, that the Swiss Guards wear such fine dress today. The Guards’ uniform is dark (Medici) blue, yellow and red.