A HlSTOllY OF CAVALRY. 



the object of the use the chcariot, it is evident that 

 the shape wouhl hav een very different, that it would 

 have been much high.r, and parapeted all around and 

 projectile weapons alone used from it. When Cyrus 

 invented chariots for this purpose some hundreds of years 

 after the ordinary war-chariot had been in constant 

 use, he caused them to be made upon a totally different 

 principle. Homer, however, is very clear indeed upon 

 this point, and gives many instances of the method of 

 using them at the siege of Troy. 



In the fourth book of the Iliad, speaking of Agamem- 

 non, he says, " He left his steeds indeed, and his brass 

 variegated chariot, and these his servant Eurymedon, son 

 of Ptolymeus, the son of Pirais, held apart panting. 

 Him he strictly enjoined to keep them near him against 

 the time when iveariiicss should seize his limhs com- 

 manding over many." ^ In the same book, Diomede, when 

 entering the battle, having called upon his friend 

 8thenelus to come and be mindfid of impetuous vale or, 

 "from his chariot leaped with his arxT^s upon the earth, 

 and dreadfully sounded the brass on the breast of the 

 prince as he moved raj)idly along." - 



The method of fighting at the siege of Troy appears 

 to have been of a very desultory and irregular character. 

 The chief warriors who had chariots were called the 

 cavalry or horsemen, and were placed in the front line. 

 The worst soldiers, in whom there was least reliance, 

 were placed in the second line, while the phalanx of foot- 

 soldiers, the main stay of the battle, formed the rear or 

 third line.^ On approaching the enemy, the chiefs en- 

 deavoured in the first place to wound or slay their oppo- 

 nents by throwing javelins with brazen points. Upon 

 coming closer, they were accustomed to stretch out 

 and strike with the long spear from tlie chariot. They 

 then dismounted, and the real struggle took place on 

 foot. 



The weapons used were mainly brass-pointed lances or 

 spears, and swords. The defensive armour was of brass, 

 and they carried oxhide shields. A description of Ajax's 



1 Iliad, iv. 22fi. 



Ibid. iv. 420. ^ Ibid. iv. 296. 



