How effective was heavy cavalry?

Although cavalry were effective against a marching column and were lethal against a retreating army, once the infantry could form squares on a battlefield they were pretty much safe.

How did Cataphracts fight?

Cataphracts would often be equipped with an additional side-arm such as a sword or mace, for use in the melee that often followed a charge. Some wore armor that was primarily frontal: providing protection for a charge and against missiles yet offering relief from the weight and encumbrance of a full suit.

How did cavalry charges work?

These charges were executed repeatedly. They would charge, do whatever damage they could inflict on the opposing side as they passed through the enemy formation, then turn around, restore the order of the formation, rearm if anyone had lost his lance, then charge again.

Did Byzantine Cataphracts use bows?

While a proportion of the cataphracts appear to have been lancers or archers only, most had bows and lances. Their main tactical units were the numerus (also called at times arithmos or banda) of 300-400 men.

What charge was made by Sergius and why does the charge become successful?

In reality, Sergius acted recklessly — committing himself to an unnecessary action that was virtually guaranteed to kill his men, and which made him look ridiculous to knowledgeable military witnesses. By sheer luck, the soldiers Sergius attacked were unable to return fire, so his charge was successful.

Did Polish cavalry charge German tanks?

“Not once did the Polish Army deploy cavalry against German tanks,” the embassy statement said. The myth likely stems from the Battle of Krojanty in September 1939 at the outset of World War II, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. On the first day of the war, Polish cavalry charged a German infantry battalion.

What role did cavalry play in the Byzantine Empire?

Although Byzantine armies seem to have included four times as many infantry as cavalry, the most important tactical roles still lay with theme cavalry, even in defensive guerrilla-style warfare. Horse-archery had remained relatively unimportant since the 9 th century, probably because heavy cavalry was easier to train.

What units supported the militia cataphracts?

The militia cataphracts were backed by units of similarly armed regulars and mercenary regiments of Teutonic heavy shock cavalry of the imperial guard. Mercenary horse archers from the steppe continued to be used as light cavalry.

What was the Byzantine pronoia?

Pronoia, which formed the core of the Byzantine army’s strength during the period of its greatest efficiency in the 8th through 10th centuries, entailed the adoption of the Hunnish composite recurved bow by native troopers.