WORLD CIVILIZATION

Detailed explanation-1: -The Companions (Greek: [heˈtairoi̯], hetairoi) were the elite cavalry of the Macedonian army from the time of king Philip II of Macedon, achieving their greatest prestige under Alexander the Great, and regarded as the first or among the first shock cavalry used in Europe.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cavalry soldiers on large, heavy and strong horses were used to break enemy formations. Some cavalry, and later mounted infantry, also gave commanders mobile firepower on the battlefield. Small, light, fast horses were used to scout, patrol and pursue.

Detailed explanation-3: -The beginning of the age of cavalry in Europe is traditionally dated to the destruction of the legions of the Roman emperor Valens by Gothic horsemen at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 ce.

Detailed explanation-4: -Why was the cavalry an important part of Alexander’s army? Alexander’s Calvary or soldiers on horseback, proved to be a stronger force. Alexander’s cavalry crushed the Persian forces, and leading to Persian downfall of the Persian Empire.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most six-gun batteries had 120 horses to pull the heavy cannons, caissons, and limbers. A cavalry regiment needed about 1200 horses.