VII-The Cavalry General

The Cavalry General chapter outlines the core responsibilities and qualities requisite for an effective cavalry general, emphasizing strategic foresight, combat skills, and a deep understanding of both the physical and moral aspects of leadership. According to the text, a cavalry general must be vigilant for the sake of his men, sharing in the successes and demonstrating prowess in horsemanship and combat. This visibility of skill and bravery serves to prevent contempt among the ranks, fostering respect and obedience.

The chapter further explores the dual necessity for a general in Athens to exhibit devoutness and exceptional combat abilities, especially in light of the perpetual threat posed by equally capable Theban forces. This section argues for the Athenian cavalry’s superiority, should they properly mobilize and train, even in the face of a formidable Boeotian ancestry.

A significant portion discusses the strategic scenarios faced by Athens, contrasting a full military deployment to protect rural Attica with the challenges of relying solely on its naval forces and walls for defense. In either situation, the cavalry’s role becomes crucial, requiring divine favor and the exceptional leadership of the cavalry commander to overcome the considerable numerical superiority of the enemy.

Moreover, the text suggests that, beyond raw strength, the cavalry general must embody endurance and smart strategy, pointing out the efficacy of a smaller, well-managed force in surveillance and guerrilla tactics over a direct confrontation with a larger army. Highlighting the importance of exploiting enemy mistakes, the narrative advises continuous readiness and opportunistic aggression to safeguard Attica without engaging in open battle.

In essence, this chapter lays down a comprehensive framework for effective cavalry generalship, stressing the balance between physical capability, strategic cunning, moral integrity, and the pragmatic utilization of available resources and forces against larger adversarial armies.