Fasciculi Archaeologiae Historicae. Fasc. 29 (2016)

ill. ; 29 cm

The saddle together with other forms of horse tack and equestrian equipment have considerably contributed to the subdual of the horse to man. Most probably, this is the reason why it has played a significant role in armiscara=harmiscara, a symbolic act of submission and reconciliation as well as public penance. The saddle made it possible for a rider to sit on a horse in balance. Besides, sitting high in the saddle, the rider gained advantage over footmen and consequently enjoyed a dominant position on the battlefield. A saddled horse served both the Slavic gods Svetovit and Triglav and divine knights conquering evil such as Archangel Michael or the saints George, Florian, Eustace, Martin. In addition to the above cultural issues, the present article also contains an analysis of a military connection between the saddle and the banner used as a means of commanding a tactical unit, noticeably called a banner. All the relevant examples come from the Battle of Płowce, fought in 1331, the battles of Grunwald and Koronowo – 1410

il. ; 29 cm