On The Cavalry Commander

Xenophon, creator; Xenophontis Opera omnia Volume V Opuscula; Marchant, E. C. (Edgar Cardew), 1864-1960, editor

Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)

Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This work is a practical guide written for a newly appointed cavalry commander, focusing on the recruitment, management, training, and tactics of a cavalry force. The author begins with foundational preparations, including the recruitment of soldiers, the care of horses, and efficient troop organization, while also explaining how to raise morale through public demonstrations. In the middle section, various tactical elements are discussed, such as marching, scouting, utilizing terrain, and using deception to outmaneuver the enemy. The text also proposes specific strategies for facing superior forces, including guerrilla attacks, cooperation with infantry, and institutional reforms like the introduction of mercenary cavalry. Finally, it outlines the qualities a leader needs to win the trust and respect of his subordinates, concluding with a strong emphasis on piety, as the success of all military endeavors ultimately depends on the favor of the gods.