An agile, well-trained, brave elephant, ridden by a good mahout, its trunk armed with the kind of sabre known as a qartal and covered with chain mail, while the rest of its body is protected by sheets of bark and iron, surrounded by 500 men to defend it and protect it to the rear, can fight against 6000 men on horseback. AlMasudi
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Until the late 18th century, the elephant was the most important animal in warfare. The elephant had a long history of service to humans. It was an important military asset because of its powerful legs, which enabled it to carry heavy loads over long distances. The elephant's trunk was also an effective weapon for attack or defense.

The elephant's frame, however, did not provide much protection against the weapons of the day. Most were equipped with iron armor and chain mail. They were also protected by their mahout, who rode on the back of the animal, carrying a sabre known as a qartal.

When an elephant was captured, it could be devastatingly useful to human beings.

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