Cavalry

William’s army combined archers, infantry and cavalry. Archers could attack from a distance; infantry could engage the enemy directly; mounted knights could charge, reposition and pursue fleeing opponents. Coordinating these different troops is called combined-arms tactics.

Scottish infantry also used schiltrons: tightly packed circles or squares of soldiers with pikes pointing outwards. These formations could resist cavalry attacks, increasing the importance of well-organised foot soldiers. William Wallace used schiltrons, and the formation also remained important after his time.

In the next battle, Cyrus used camels to disrupt the effectiveness of the Lydian cavalry. He thus countered an important strength of Croesus’ army rather than simply meeting it on its own terms. Sardis then fell after a short siege.

A distinctive strength of Norman warfare was its cavalry. Knights trained to fight on horseback, using weapons such as lances and swords while carrying shields and wearing armour. Strong warhorses, known as destriers, carried these armed riders.