alb3820175

Frankish Knights, 9th Century

The Franks had an infantry-centered army, based on the traditional axe-wielding footman. But the challenge of fighting against horse-borne enemies like the Lombards, Avars, Arabs and Magyars, prompted a gradual change in tactics. Charles Martel appreciated the military value of horses, not only as a weapon in battle but also as a vehicle to move his army swiftly across his vast empire. Horse-breeding farms were set up in the Alpine regions to supply the Frankish army. The Franks also adapted the cantle and the stirrup, two saddle innovations introduced by the Avars which permitted more effective horseback fighting.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox

add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image. Select the use:
Loading...
Title:
Frankish Knights, 9th Century
Caption:
The Franks had an infantry-centered army, based on the traditional axe-wielding footman. But the challenge of fighting against horse-borne enemies like the Lombards, Avars, Arabs and Magyars, prompted a gradual change in tactics. Charles Martel appreciated the military value of horses, not only as a weapon in battle but also as a vehicle to move his army swiftly across his vast empire. Horse-breeding farms were set up in the Alpine regions to supply the Frankish army. The Franks also adapted the cantle and the stirrup, two saddle innovations introduced by the Avars which permitted more effective horseback fighting.
Credit:
Album / Science Source / New York Public Library
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
3051 x 3716 px | 32.4 MB
Print size:
25.8 x 31.5 cm | 10.2 x 12.4 in (300 dpi)