The battle demonstrates the directional strength of spear-armed infantry. A formed body of spearmen can resist cavalry effectively when the horses must attack its prepared front. That advantage deteriorates when cavalry reaches the sides or rear and the formation can no longer present spear points toward every threat. The maneuver provides a compact lesson about frontage, cohesion, and flank protection in pre-modern combat.
Notable Point · 32:48-33:07
Why spear formations need protected flanks
A cavalry attack illustrates that spearmen can resist a mounted threat from the front yet become vulnerable once they are surrounded.