Companion Cavalry
The Companion Cavalry was a formidable unit in the military of ancient Macedonia, particularly renowned during the reign of Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great. Here are key points about this elite cavalry force:
- Formation: The Companion Cavalry was formed by Philip II as part of his military reforms to strengthen the Macedonian army. They were selected from the nobility of Macedon, ensuring loyalty and skill on the battlefield.
- Organization: The unit was organized into squadrons known as ilai, each commanded by an ilarch. Over time, these squadrons could number up to 200 horsemen. The overall commander of the Companion Cavalry was typically the king himself or one of his most trusted generals.
- Equipment: Riders were equipped with a long lance known as a xyston, a sword, and often a shield. They also wore armor, which could include a cuirass, helmet, and sometimes greaves. Their horses were also armored to some extent, often with a cloth caparison or a bronze chamfron.
- Tactics: The Companion Cavalry was instrumental in executing the famous Hammer and Anvil Tactic. They would charge at the enemy's flank or rear while the Phalanx engaged from the front, effectively crushing the opponent between these two forces.
- Notable Battles:
- Legacy: The success of the Companion Cavalry influenced later cavalry units in Hellenistic and Roman armies, notably the Cataphracts and Roman Heavy Cavalry. Their tactics and organization were studied and emulated for centuries.
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