The Cavalry General

Xenophon’s “The Cavalry General” describes the merits of an Athenian cavalry general and some basic military principles surrounding the command of a cavalry force.

The treatise is divided into nine sections on the following topics:

• Basic Training
• Organizing the Ranks
• Parades and Processions
• On the March
• Cavalry vs. Infantry
• Gaining Confidence of the Men
• Types of Conflict
• Attacking Superior Forces
• Foreign Advice and Support from Heaven

Ultimately, the treatise covers the training required of the troops and their horses, the skills a general needs to know, basic strategy for certain situations, and the importance of sacrificing to the Gods and acquiring their support.