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4 months ago in Medieval Military History By Rani

Why was Norman cavalry more effective than Byzantine cavalry?

I often see claims that Norman cavalry was more effective than Byzantine cavalry, especially in battle accounts. Why was Norman cavalry considered superior, and what made the difference in actual combat?

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By Nirav Answered 3 months ago

The Norman advantage was mainly about tactics and battlefield role, rather than morale alone. Norman knights functioned as heavy shock cavalry, trained to deliver decisive, massed charges using couched lances. Byzantine cavalry, on the other hand, was generally more versatile and flexible, often combining light cavalry, horse archers, and skirmishing tactics. When Byzantine formations became disordered, the focused Norman charge could exploit those moments and break cohesion, leading to battlefield success.

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