Cavalry

Cavalry was rarely seen in the Greek world during the Classical period: Macedonia, Thessaly, and Boeotia were the only places known for having genuine cavalry forces. By the end of the fifth century, both Athens and Sparta also formed their own cavalry. The requisite costs associated with horse ownership and breeding as well as the necessity of suitable land for the horses presented barriers preventing many Greek cities from having substantial cavalry units. (Bugh, 271)

It was not until the time of Philip II and Alexander that cavalry became a critical part of Greek military. Alexander used his cavalry forces, including his Companion Cavalry, and his phalanxes together as a cohesive and devastating war machine. He also equipped many of his cavalry men with sarissas, indicating a change from the usual ranged nature of cavalry to that of a “heavy cavalry” which is meant to break into enemy lines. Before the rise of Macedonian dominance, typical horsemen carried a javelin, a sword, boots, a breasplate, and a helmet. Starting in the late fourth century, a new type of horseman called a kataphrakt was developed; this type of cavalry utilized the availability of horses stronger than normal Greek horses so that the rider and horse could be heavily armored. It is not until the end of the third century however that we hear of a Hellenistic king utilizing kataphraktoi in his army. (Bugh, 271-272)

In terms of lighter-equipped cavalry, we have two separate varieties: the prodromoi and the Tarentines. The prodroimoi were a kind of horseman used by Athens, possibly to replace their mounted archers, the hippotoxotai. They wielded javelins and served as an advance force, as skirmishers, scouts, couriers, etc. They are thought to have been used between the years 360 to 260 BC. Prodromoi are also known to have been part of Alexander’s army; however it is unclear whether or not these cavalry were related to the Athenian units beyond sharing a name. (Bugh, 272) The Tarentines seem to have functioned similarly to the prodromoi. They wielded javelins as well as swords and shields and likely served the same roles. Tarentines were used often during the war of the successors after Alexander’s death. (Bugh, 272-274)

With these advanced forms of cavalry coming into use, methods of combat in ancient warfare changed drastically. No longer do we see the typical Greek style of hoplite combat where phalanxes clash into each other. At the Battle of the Granicus, in 334 BC, we see Alexander’s cavalry forces being the deciding factor in his victory. A mix of infantry and cavalry were sent into the Persian line first, and then Alexander followed with his own Companion Cavalry. (Ferrill, 195-196) We see here an effective tactic forming where one force weakens the enemy line and then a large cavalry unit is sent in to outflank the enemy and destroy them from within. As an extension of this tactic we see a new “hammer-and-anvil” strategy being used. Infantry units (the anvil) engage the enemy lines and hold them while the cavalry units (the hammer) either break through openings in the line or circle around and engage the enemy from the rear. We see this used successfully by Alexander at the Battle of Issus, in 333 BC, as well as in many future battles. (Ferrill, 200-202)