Chapter III – The Cavalry General begins by focusing on the ceremonial responsibilities a cavalry general must uphold to honor both divine tradition and civic pride. These duties include organizing sacrifices on behalf of the cavalry, ensuring that offerings are made to the gods with proper solemnity and timing. Public festivals and parades are used not only as displays of military grandeur but also as acts of devotion, reinforcing the unity between Athens’ military and its religious life. Riders are instructed to proceed in a particular order, paying tribute at sacred landmarks and temples throughout the route. This structured sequence does more than follow custom—it reflects respect, order, and discipline expected from both citizens and soldiers. In this way, the general becomes a cultural leader, transforming martial spectacle into religious homage.

The chapter outlines how riders must manage their weapons and movements during processions to create an atmosphere of disciplined force rather than chaos. Positioning of lances is critical—not only for safety but to preserve the visual symmetry of the unit. A rapid gallop toward sacred locations such as the Eleusinion is advised, followed by a more deliberate return pace to signify reverence. This shift in tempo balances spectacle with piety, allowing the cavalry to embody both strength and sanctity. The dramatic contrast between speed and stillness emphasizes control, which viewers interpret as a reflection of training and divine favor. For spectators, these performances become a visual metaphor for order emerging from power. Riders, meanwhile, gain confidence and cohesion by practicing this choreography until it becomes second nature.

March-pasts at the Lyceum, especially those preceding the javelin-throwing contests, are used as platforms to demonstrate military capability in peace. Cavalry formations must remain tight and functional, giving the impression that the troops are always ready for deployment. This readiness, displayed in formation, sends a political message—Athens is not just ceremonial, but strategically prepared. Drills involving steep descents at high speed are also recommended, training riders to remain calm and responsive under pressure. These exercises are not simply for show—they develop physical agility, sharpen reflexes, and foster mutual trust between rider and horse. Waiting until real battle to learn these skills is discouraged, as failure in such moments could be fatal. Thus, pageantry becomes a tool of practical instruction and strategic foresight.

The general is also expected to arrange reviews in a way that maintains energy while creating a visually impressive sequence. During inspections, a rotating display—where outer ranks keep moving while others pause—helps reduce fatigue and prevents boredom among riders and horses. This method keeps the entire unit active without overstraining any one group. Horses receive brief, repeated moments of rest, while the general maintains control over the pace and direction of the event. Spectators remain engaged as they witness a continuously shifting spectacle that never appears static or uncoordinated. It is through this rotation of motion and pause that stamina and elegance are both communicated to the audience. By pacing the display in this manner, the general ensures that readiness is preserved alongside aesthetic performance.

Such spectacles are more than theatrical—they serve as real indicators of military efficiency and state pride. They function to raise morale among citizens and troops, reminding everyone of the strength, discipline, and cultural unity of their city. The general’s role, therefore, is not limited to battlefield leadership but extends into civic representation and spiritual guardianship. Public confidence in the cavalry depends on how well these ceremonies are executed. Each carefully orchestrated movement reinforces trust in the state’s preparedness. The Athenian people, accustomed to blending military and sacred traditions, view these exhibitions not as entertainment, but as affirmations of divine and civic harmony.

Additionally, this chapter reinforces the idea that military prestige is not achieved solely through warfare but also through public visibility and ritual participation. Greek cavalry, especially in Athens, played a dual role—as warriors in the field and as symbols of cultural identity at home. The deliberate blending of training, tradition, and ceremony elevated the cavalry’s importance in the eyes of the populace. Modern readers can relate this to how national military forces today often take part in parades, state functions, and ceremonies of remembrance. These functions, though symbolic, shape public perception and reinforce national values. In antiquity, this linkage was even stronger, with divine favor believed to influence outcomes of war and civic prosperity alike.

In essence, the cavalry general was entrusted with both the body and spirit of the military. His attention to ceremony did not dilute his strategic responsibility—it amplified it. Each public display served to sharpen technique, reinforce cohesion, and bolster collective confidence. The balance of visual spectacle, religious observance, and tactical training ensured that Athenian cavalry remained both respected and revered. Such intricate preparation, far from being decorative, reflected a city committed to excellence in all aspects of its identity. Leadership, in this context, meant leading not just soldiers—but culture, belief, and civic emotion.