Did cavalry or infantry dominate medieval battlefield tactics?

Cavalry dominated medieval battlefield tactics, particularly the heavy cavalry known as knights.

In the medieval period, the battlefield was largely dominated by the cavalry, specifically the heavy cavalry, often referred to as knights. These knights were typically from the nobility, trained from a young age in the arts of war, and equipped with heavy armour and powerful warhorses. Their role in battle was often decisive, as they could charge enemy lines with devastating effect, breaking formations and causing chaos in the ranks.

The dominance of the cavalry was due to several factors. Firstly, the knight was a professional soldier, trained and equipped to a standard that few infantrymen could match. Their heavy armour made them difficult to kill, while their warhorses gave them a mobility and impact on the battlefield that infantry could not match. Secondly, the social structure of the time favoured the cavalry. The feudal system, which was prevalent in medieval Europe, meant that the nobility, who made up the cavalry, had the resources to maintain and train their forces, while the peasantry, who made up the bulk of the infantry, did not.

However, it's important to note that the infantry also played a crucial role in medieval warfare. Archers, for example, could be highly effective against cavalry if they were well-protected and had the opportunity to shoot from a distance. Infantry could also form defensive formations, such as the famous 'schiltron' of the Scots, which could resist cavalry charges. Moreover, in certain terrains, such as forests or marshes, the mobility advantage of the cavalry could be negated, giving the infantry the upper hand.

In conclusion, while the infantry had its uses and could sometimes turn the tide of battle, it was the cavalry, and particularly the heavy cavalry, that dominated medieval battlefield tactics. This was due to their superior training and equipment, as well as the social and economic structures of the time, which favoured the cavalry.