Editing Turcopole (section)

== Specialist roles ==
As lightly armed and mobile auxiliaries the Turcopoles were of particular value when scouting and raiding expeditions were undertaken. On such occasions the heavily armoured and relatively slow moving horsemen of the western armies were at a disadvantage. Accordingly this was the sole occasion when Turcopoliers (Turcopole commanders) could issue direct orders to accompanying knights.<ref>{{cite book |first=David |last=Nicolle |page=48 |title=Hattin 1187. Saladin's Greatest Victory |isbn=978-1-85532-284-4}}</ref>