10-01-2009, 04:22 PM
Quote: Yes but the question is did the Cavalry in those instances actually impact the ordered infantry in those attacks and break them or did the cavalry exploit some previously existing disorder or did the Infantry waiver and make gaps or begin to route before impact? Having worked with working horses quite extensively my opinion (mind its only that and later evidence from the much better documented Napolenic and ACW) I would say its the later. Certainly there were a few exceptions but they seem to be that exceptions ordered infantry seems to be able to repulse Cavalry they are facing in the largest majority of battles until Unit cohesion breaks down. Having said that late republic and early emperial field forces tended to lack the inherent cavalry and skirmish infantry to stop enemy cavalry from retiring in good order if the charge did not go home Witness the debacle at Carrhae.
Rather than go over the same old ground I've sent you a PM on the matter
Ben.
