Adal Sultanate - Military

Military

Part of a series on the
History of Djibouti
Ifat Sultanate (1285-1415)
Adal Sultanate (1415-1577)
Habesh Eyalet (1554-1882)
French Somaliland (1896-1967)
Afars and Issas (1967-1977)
Republic of Djibouti (1977-present)
Djibouti portal

The Adalite military was divided in several sections such as the infantry consisting of swordsmen, archers and lancers that were commanded by various generals and lieutenants. These forces were complimented by a cavalry force and eventually later in the empire's history; by matchlock-technology and cannons during the Conquest of Abyssinia. The various divisions were symbolised with a distinct flag.

The Adalite soldiers donned elaborate helmets and steel-armour made up of chain-mail with overlapping tiers. The Horsemen of Adal wore protective helmets that covered the entire face except for the eyes, and breastplates on their body, while they harnessed their horses in a similar fashion. In siege warfare, ladders were employed to scale buildings and other high positions such as hills and mountains.

Read more about this topic:  Adal Sultanate

Famous quotes containing the word military:

    Weapons are an important factor in war, but not the decisive factor; it is people, not things, that are decisive. The contest of strength is not only a contest of military and economic power, but also a contest of human power and morale. Military and economic power is necessarily wielded by people.
    Mao Zedong (1893–1976)

    My faith is the grand drama of my life. I’m a believer, so I sing words of God to those who have no faith. I give bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have never heard them, make rhythms for those who know only military marches or jazz, and paint colours for those who see none.
    Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992)

    The military and the clergy cause us much annoyance; the clergy and the military, they empty our wallets and rob our intelligence.
    Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)