How were chariots used effectively in ancient warfare? Why did they start to decline in importance as an element of warfare in the Classical period?

by DinoDude23

Hello there, first time poster here. How were chariots supposed to be used effectively in ancient times, such as in ancient Egypt, Babylon, Canaan, etc.? It seems like such a huge target for skirmishers to shoot and spearmen to take a whack at. Additionally, horses generally don't charge at walls, and it seems like they'd be even less inclined to pull a heavily laden cart towards a screaming morass of armed men. Such a large item, pulled by two horses and with a lot of moving parts, also seems like it would make chariot-archery a supremely difficult enterprise.

Searocksandtrees