Macedonian Cavalry

Here are some pics of my Macedonian Cavalry. They were the elite force of Alexander’s army. The Macedonian Cavalry or Companion cavalry consisted of noblemen which were supplemented with the best trained horsemen Macedon had to offer. They were a heavy cavalry unit armed with xystons (3,5 metres long lances). They usually operated as stormtroopers who had to force an opening in the main enemy formation(s). They all wore a bronze or metal cuirass and Boeotian helmets for protection and a long straight sword for close combat. They were usually accompanied by Prodromoi (Thracian light cavalry) units wearing Phrygian style helmets, no armor and similar lances. At the battle of Gaugamela Alexander and his Companion cavalry drove a wedge in the Persian cavalry units and attacked the royal entourage and guards of Dareios III. With Alexander in the lead the Macedonian heavy cavalry unit closed in on the Persian king who lost heart and fled the battlefield.

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