That said, light cavalry was negated by firepower. Richard III relied on a huge force of mercenary crossbowmen in the Third Crusade. The crossbow was also a critical element in the defeat of the Mongol invasion of Hungary (along with more heavy cavalry and local fortifications).
Likewise, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Russia embraced gunpowder weapons to the same end against the light horsemen of the steppe, notably the Tartars.
Thanks. Richard I employed a classic fighting march: crossbows were crucial for protecting the marching column, but were insufficient for winning the offensive victories the Crusaders needed (the link in the text has more on this). Missile weapons really weren't offensively effective until the 16th century.
An interesting piece!
That said, light cavalry was negated by firepower. Richard III relied on a huge force of mercenary crossbowmen in the Third Crusade. The crossbow was also a critical element in the defeat of the Mongol invasion of Hungary (along with more heavy cavalry and local fortifications).
Likewise, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Russia embraced gunpowder weapons to the same end against the light horsemen of the steppe, notably the Tartars.
Thanks. Richard I employed a classic fighting march: crossbows were crucial for protecting the marching column, but were insufficient for winning the offensive victories the Crusaders needed (the link in the text has more on this). Missile weapons really weren't offensively effective until the 16th century.
See The documentary called Birth Gap on YouTube. None of this will matter soon. Well written though. Thank you