Final answer:
Based on the historical context and specific roles of military units, it is likely that the type of soldier referenced in the question that came to the gate is an engineer, as they are involved in logistical support and infrastructure development which include tasks such as gate operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What type of soldier came to his gate?" is referencing a type of military unit. Historically, the use of different types of soldiers has evolved with changes in technology and warfare tactics. Given the context provided, let's explore the various soldier types mentioned:
- Infantry were foot soldiers who equipped themselves with weapons like spears and shields and sometimes benefitted from the protective formation of heavy-infantry units, such as the Persian Immortals. Their role transformed with the advent of guns, as they faced new challenges that changed combat.
- Cavalry were mounted troops who could swiftly attack and retreat, offering a tactical advantage in speed and elevation over infantry before gunpowder-based warfare. The tactical importance of cavalry is seen in the Bayeux Tapestry, which shows Norman soldiers dominating the battlefield on horseback.
- Artillery units played a crucial role, particularly in trench warfare, where they performed preliminary shelling to weaken the enemy before infantry charged across no-man's land.
- Engineers were critical support troops, as demonstrated in the image of a U.S. Army engineer during a peacekeeping mission. Engineers are essential for building infrastructure, like bridges, that support military operations.
To answer the question directly, the context suggests that the type of soldier that would likely be referred to as an engineer, given that they have a broad role that includes logistical support, which would be common in scenarios requiring gate access for supply and movement purposes, as depicted in the reference imagery.