Being interested in a thracian army I am reading Gabrielle Esposito's book "Armies of the Thracians & Dacians"  pen and sword books

On pg 117he states that the foot skirmishers were attached to the cavalry ( as mentionned in the army list ) with the very specifi mission of harmstringing the enemy horses in close combat .

So my question is : why do the thracians not benefit from the same rule as the early german cavalry ?

It may have been discussed before but I did not find it back

Also it is a pity that the autor does not point to a specific historical source but so it is

Have you checked Christopher Webber's Osprey on the Thracians for the possible reference?

I'd probably rely on him as a better source than Esposito based on comments I have seen about the latter's books from people whom I believe know stuff, and my own view the one I have the misfortune of owning (which at least I didn't actually have to pay for so I suppose I got value for money there  .

I would like to know the original source for Esporito's comments.  I am planning to introduce the horse killer rule for very specific  Classical Greek and Spartan army lists and if there is justification would be happy to introduce it to Thracians.

The horse killer rule will become a special characteristic which I am calling "Hammipoi" (the Greek word).   It will cost points.

Richard

Quote from: nikgaukroger on September 11, 2021, 07:56:01 PM
Have you checked Christopher Webber's Osprey on the Thracians for the possible reference?

I'd probably rely on him as a better source than Esposito based on comments I have seen about the latter's books from people whom I believe know stuff, and my own view the one I have the misfortune of owning (which at least I didn't actually have to pay for so I suppose I got value for money there  .

It is not because you do not trust some historians that they are wrong ...I fear some people show some difficulties in reconsidering some historical informations because they challenge your beliefs.

That does not mean Esposito's point of view is right or wrong ...just diffferent

Some writers are more credible than others; nothing to do with the ideas per se.

The only source appears to be the 1000 infantry attached to the 1000 bodyguard cavalry of the Odrysian king mentioned in 171 BCE mentioned in Livy.

Begs the question how widespread was the practice.  Did the Greeks get the idea from the Thracians?  If it was used by the Germans and Thracians, did anyone else use it?  Paeonians?

Richard