Adal Sultanate - Military

Military

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Ifat Sultanate (1285-1415)
Adal Sultanate (1415-1577)
Habesh Eyalet (1554-1882)
French Somaliland (1896-1967)
Afars and Issas (1967-1977)
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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.

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