Chariot Units How They Were Used

We can only assume how the Hittites used their chariots. It is not likely that they charged formed foot frontally or even from the flank. The vehicles and their teams of horses were very fragile. Hitting any unit of foot would be extremely damaging to both horses and chariots. Use the chariot rules for a more detailed method of use for gaming purposes for Trojan Allies.

It is highly conceivable that chariots would attempt to charge other chariot units.The chariots were at their best when charging other chariots and when performing feigned charges against foot units. When fighting other chariots nothing was static. Arrange by squadrons of perhaps 5 to 10 vehicles each these would deploy in line with the supporting units of line infantry and their runners immediately behind them. It is also possible that the chariots would deploy in two or more lines. When charging other chariots they would not stop and melee. That would be not only impossible (how could a charging at impact stop. No instead it would either become disabled or pass by at high speed its opposing enemy(ies) ending where the enemy began its charge.

Suppose this is true; the vehicles passing each other, stabbing, jabbing or casting a missiles at its respective opponent and ending where his enemy began. It is at this point that the Hittite runners become valuable. Killing off wounded charioteers, crippled horses which would stop a chariot’s moving. The runners would then rush these wounded or damaged chariots or cause chariots not so damaged to veer off continuing their movement. The runners now become dangerous to the enemy chariots. The Egyptians may not have relied on runner and consequently would be at a great disadvantage.

When chariots deployed in two or more lines, the second wave would hit the disordered enemy and in conjunction with the runners the enemy would be destroyed completely.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the Hittites vanish as a power within 100 years of Qadesh. The Sea Peoples and other enemies were not chariot dependent and consequently could easily over power an army which was designed to defeat a chariot lead army like the Egyptians.

Hittite Chariot Having Dropped Runner