Comments by "" (@craigkdillon) on "Dan Davis History" channel.

  1. Mounted warfare, first became important, IMO, when good short bows became available. BUT, it wasn't until the STIRRUP was invented that a spear could be used as lance, and thus mounted cavalry became possible.
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  2. I think a major aspect of military success by horse mounted peoples is ignored. The ability to fight effectively, while mounted in combat, is only a part of it. A tribe with horses could have much greater military success, even IF they don't actually fight mounted. Merely the increase in mobility can have tremendous impact. How can an army on foot, force a mounted people to fight?? If they cannot, then the mounted people will always be able to pick the place of battle. Picking the time and place of a battle is a key factor in winning that battle. So, a mounted people on the steppe could spread its influence and domination, without ever fighting from horseback.
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