An Islamic infantryman

In contast to the Romans, Persians and Turks who made very extensive use of cavalry, the armies of Greater Syria and Egypt relied more heavily on infantry such as this. The reason was primarily economic, for Syria and Egypt were less well supplied with the sort of fertile pasturage needed to support many horses.

Light infantry wore little protection; a turban over a thick padded cap and quilted coat, while better equipped troops could have a helm under their turban and a mail or scale shirt concealed by their tunic.

Notes

1. Christopher Marshall Warfare in the Latin East: 1192 - 1291, Cambridge, 1992
2. David Nicolle Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era: 1050-1350, London, 1988
3. R.C. Smail Crusading Warfare: 1097 - 1193, Cambridge, 1989