A careful study of the evidence - literary, archaeological and artistic - asks some important questions of received wisdom about ancient Greek cavalry. Although northern Greek cavalry did not suffer under the same political restraints as the southern Greek hippeis, and although they are usually regarded as much superior to other Greek cavalry, we can see that the gap in quality, if any, is much less than is usually supposed.

Greek cavalry, despite what is usually thought, could be very effective against hoplites, even when engaging these directly and in solid close formation. Greek cavalry was an extremely flexible arm, being capable of engaging enemy troops of any type, as well as being ideally suited to flank attacks, reserves, pursuit and post-battle screening.

We also learn that Greek cavalry was well organized, well trained, and had high morale. Greek cavalry was not used to its full potential in many Greek poleis due to the fact that the hippeis were made up of, and indeed symbolic of, the aristocracy, which in turn was regarded with suspicion by both democracies and oligarchies.

Despite this, Greek cavalry has a very good record, had a high combat effectiveness and flexibility, and indeed contributed greatly to the power and welfare of their poleis.

So how does Greek horse fair in war game rules? Usually they lose in a charge against a well ordered phalanx, but do well against their flanks. What isn't covered is that a disorganized phalanx was fearful of cavalry. There are cases of horse usually winning against a disrupted phalanx while in most war game rules the opposite is true, the phalanx remains pretty much invincible against the horse, unless it is taken in the flank or rear. This should be changed.

Greek horse seems to be equally potent if they are nobles (hippeis) or not, or whether if from the North or South of Greece. In fact luck seems to play a large role in such cavalry clashes. Spartan horse in the mid 300s underwent a decline; that should be reflected in rules, but that is all. In fact the Spartan horse of the 300s seems to be much like the early Roman equites, Men who can hardly sit astride an animal.

The Greek cavalry commander should have the option of deploying his horse as open (skirmish) order if desired, before battle. Once this was done it seems that unit stayed that way until the battle was over. Another thing that is not covered in most war game rules is the value of preserving horse to ensure the victory, by conducting a pursuit. So upgrade your rules accordingly.

More Ancient Greek Cavalry A Re-Assessment

Preface and Introduction
The Greek Hippeis
The North and South
Training
Organization
Equipment
Combat Effectiveness
Conclusion