This variety of light cavalry was introduced into central Europe by the Tartars of Asia in the middle ages. They were armed with sabre, pistol and lance, at first carried in the left hand. The pennon is intended to frighten the enemy's horses, and identifies the men as Prussians. The Poles, Austrians, and Russians also adopted uhlans. In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 they led the invasion of northern France, and won great fame by their fearless activity.