Final answer:
Horses were crucial for their mobility and strategic advantage in warfare, especially on the steppe. With the invention of gunpowder, their role in direct combat lessened, but they remained important for logistics, cultural values, and personal significance among various cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of horses in war and the daily life of those on the steppe was of paramount importance due to the environment and mobility that horses offered. Horses were integral to the success in battles, especially in the terrain of the steppe where they provided speed and agility.
Moreover, the development of cavalry warfare was crucial as it enabled armies to maneuver rapidly and engage in effective combat. The king of Zhao recognized this during expansion northwards, noting that horses were akin to war machines, necessary for effective mounted archery - a significant shift from traditional tactics.
As warfare evolved, the significance of horses became even more evident. In chariot fighting, captured chariots and the treatment of prisoners could augment a nation’s military strength. Herodotus describes the efficiency of the Persian courier system, underlining the vital role of horses beyond combat.
Cavalry before gunpowder were the most formidable troops, capable of fast attacks and lethal force. However, with the advent of firearms, the role and effectiveness of cavalry were challenged, giving rise to different military strategies where horses might serve new logistic and combat roles.
Horses also held a deeply personal and cultural significance, demonstrated by the distress over possibly losing prized horses in the excerpts provided. The Lakota valued capturing horses from the enemy, seeing it not just as a feat of bravery but as an embodiment of warrior skill and honor.
Therefore, the importance of horses extends beyond their utilitarian role in war to encompass cultural and emotional dimensions.