"Alexander's Companion Cavalry" Topic

It seems to be fairly orthodox opinion that the companion cavalry favoured a wedge formation. Would each squadron (ile)form one large wedge or would each tetrarchiai form a smaller wedge which would then deploy side by side? Opinions or theories anyone.

Thanks

Wedges were formed by squadron (ile) accroding to Asclepiodotus. Sometimes squadrons could be grouped together in a larger wedge, for compressed frontage. I think this is where the confusion comes from for gamers.

When Alexander creates a large wedge out of his squadrons at Gaugamela, I assume he is stacking them up where each ile is taking up the space of horseman in wedge formation.
In this way a gap can be exploited and each ile then can explode outward from the breach in the enemy line.

You will note that Arrian describes the right wing cavalry as delivering 'squadron by squadron' charges in embolon (wedge) that break up the massive Persian cavalry formations, then break off action to avoid getting gobbled up by larger less maneuverable Persian units.
JJ

JJ -

Thanks a lot, very useful information.

R

I've always wondered about wedge cavalry – if it was effective why did people stop using it.

"why did people stop using it."

------> Hmmm machine guns seem to have put a stop to it.
JJ

Do you mean that cavalry in, to pick a random example, a medieval french army, would have attacked in a deliberate wedge (as opposed to just being a bit indisciplined)

I'm probably biased by wargame systems that make wedge cavalry out to be a different thing with their own rules and only a few occurrences through history.