ABSTRACT
Because of their mobility, horse archers had superior reconnaissance, allowing them to surprise their enemies and engage them wherever security was lax. Maneuverability permitted them to attack their opponents unexpectedly in the flanks and rear. Thanks to their swift mounts and light arms, they could retreat from tactically untenable situations, avoid destruction, regroup and counterattack once their pursuers had exhausted themselves. Logistical considerations favored steppe warriors over the armies of sedentary peoples because they did not need to transport huge quantities of grain for their largely grass-fed horses.2
