[ThaiHaBooks] When the battlefield echoed with the thunder of hooves and the shadow of charging elephants.

Throughout human history, cavalry and war elephants have always held a special place. Horses offered superior speed and mobility, while elephants brought raw power, ferocity, and an overwhelming presence. From ancient to early modern times, these two forces repeatedly turned the tides of war, becoming enduring symbols of authority and military might.

For the Vietnamese people, the image of war elephants brandishing their tusks and warhorses tossing their manes exists not only in history books. They have seeped into the national memory, becoming symbols of courage, the will to defend the nation, and the aspiration to expand borders.

“Mighty Elephants, Noble Steeds” takes readers back to ancient battlefields, where elephants and horses marched alongside generals, creating glorious feats of arms.

This book is not merely a meticulous research work, but a journey to explore our ancestors’ military world through details rarely known:

• How the Vietnamese organized war elephant units through different periods.
• Methods of taming and training elephants and horses for combat.
• Tactics for deploying cavalry and elephantry in decisive battles.
• Specialized equipment: elephant armor, horse armor, cavalry weapons, and more.
• Strategies used by regional nations to counter horses and elephants.

Each page acts as a door opening to the past, where every hoofbeat and every trumpet of an elephant marked countless heroic milestones.

MAIN CONTENTS:

Part 1: Mighty Elephants – A profound and comprehensive study of Vietnamese War Elephants

• History of the formation and development of the war elephant force.
• Organization, scale, and operation of elephant units.
• The art of controlling elephants in battle.
• Equipment for elephants and elephant riders.
• Counter-measures against elephants in historical battles.

Part 2: Noble Steeds – Recreating the Vietnamese Cavalry force through the ages

• Transformations in cavalry organization across dynasties.
• The role of cavalry in major campaigns.
• Tactics of blitzkrieg, raiding, and pursuit.
• Training for horses and cavalrymen.
• Characteristic equipment of cavalry and methods to counter them.

WHY SHOULD YOU OWN THIS BOOK?

A Rare Perspective on Vietnamese Military History

The book explores a topic that has rarely been written about systematically: war elephants and cavalry—two forces that helped shape the nation’s destiny.

Meticulous – Scholarly – Accessible

The content is presented coherently, rich in historical evidence, yet maintains an engaging narrative voice, making information easily accessible to readers.

A Book for All History Lovers

From military researchers and enthusiasts to general readers who love Vietnamese culture and history.

A Meaningful Gift for the Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo)

The Year of the Horse – a symbol of speed, strength, and breakthrough.

THE AUTHORS

Dong Nguyen

• Co-founder of several research groups and pages dedicated to historical culture and ancient Vietnam, such as Dai Viet Co Phong, Vietnam Centre, and Vuong Su Kien Due.
• Author of books: Lôi động, Tinh phi (Thunder and Concubine); Kì công diệu nghệ (Marvelous Arts); Thần long kích thủy (Divine Dragon Strikes Water).
• Co-author of Mình đồng da sắt (Bronze Body, Iron Skin); Dệt nên triều đại (Weaving a Dynasty).
• Specializes in the research of historical customs, costumes, and weaponry.

Kaovjets Ngujens

• A Latvian-Vietnamese artist with a realistic style. Author of comics such as The Bear Slayer, The Horn Blower of Talavas, and more.
• Lead artist for the historical documentary project The Baltic Tribes.
• Illustrator for books: Lôi động, Tinh phi; Kì công diệu nghệ; Thần long kích thủy.
• Author of Việt sử nhân vật (Figures of Vietnamese History).
• Specializes in historical illustrations of various periods and comic art.