10-06-2013, 09:02 AM
I always thought that the terms "heavy" and "light" were applied to the tactics, not the equipment. A fighter could be naked except for a shield and spear and he would be classed as "heavy infantry" if he fought in a shield wall formation. If a mounted unit's primary purpose was to charge a formation of men - i.e. "shock tactics" - then it is classed as "heavy cavalry" regardless of the equipment that was used.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books