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What is an Infantry Square?

Introduction An infantry square, also known as a hollow square, was a historic close order formation used in combat by infantry units, usually when threatened with cavalry attack. To deploy its weapons effectively, a traditional infantry unit would generally form a line; but the line was vulnerable to more nimble cavalry, which could sweep around… Read More

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What is a Cheval de Frise?

Introduction The cheval de frise (plural: chevaux de frise, “Frisian horses”) was a defensive obstacle, existing in a number of forms, principally as a static anti-cavalry obstacle but also quickly movable to close breaches. Refer to Czech Hedgehog, Caltrop, Dragon’s Teeth, Makibishi, and Sudis. The term was also applied to underwater constructions used to prevent… Read More

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What was Cavalleggeri?

Introduction Cavalleggeri were an inferior category of cavalry during the classic period of feudal cavalry. This included knife-armed cavalry, lancers’ pages and mounted crossbowmen. Later, cavalleggeri became a subsidiary arm of the gendarmerie (refer to Light Cavalry). In 1498, Louis XII of France gave this name (chevau-léger) to his mounted companies, forming a sort of… Read More

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What is Light Cavalry?

Introduction Light cavalry comprises lightly armed and lightly armoured troops mounted on horses, as opposed to heavy cavalry, where the riders (and sometimes the warhorses) are heavily armoured. The missions of the light cavalry were primarily raiding, reconnaissance, screening, skirmishing, patrolling, and tactical communications. They were usually armed with swords, spears, or bows, and later… Read More