The Theory and Practice of Cavalry Warfare c.450-300

Abstract THE combat potential of Greek cavalry was relatively high: mounted troops were mobile, flexible, and capable of exerting considerable hitting power, even against heavy infantry, and the course of Greek warfare from c.450 to 300 shows that this potential was frequently realized in battle. Cavalry not only achieved some major successes against enemy troops, but there were also solid developments in the theory and practice of cavalry employment; despite this, in most Greek city-states (including Athens) it generally remained subordinate to the hoplite arm. Because of this, and as cavalry was usually employed either in support of or in opposition to hoplites, its military role can only be understood within the framework of hoplite warfare.