Even their kings and generals usually fought on foot.

The Romans conquered the world mainly with their infantry.

This arm was also considered of the greatest importance by the ancient Germans and Gauls; but the migration of the Huns and other Mongolic tribes mounted on small and fleet horses, and the acquaintance formed by the Franks of northern Spain with the Moors, who were mounted on beautiful horses from Arabia and the plateau of Asia, introduced a taste for cavalry in western Europe.

This taste was still further cultivated under the feudal system, for the knights preferred fighting on horseback to serving on foot.

During the crusades the infantry fell into disrepute.