Artwork: Johnny Shumate

Roman cavalry before 400 BCE was recruited from the aristocracy in limited numbers. As the cavalry expanded, recruits came from beyond the aristocracy.

By the first century CE, much of the Imperial Cavalry was made up of non-citizen professional soldiers, many recruited from Roman provinces that could field skilled native cavalry. Under the rule of Augustus, the native cavalry troops were formed into auxilia (auxiliary) units, outfitted and trained by the Romans, and frequently formed into an auxiliary corps.

A primary responsibility of Roman cavalry was to scout ahead of the Army when on the march. When the Army assembled for battle, the cavalry was usually placed on the wings, with the infantry in the center. This formation was intended to prevent the Roman infantry from being flanked.

During the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, Roman commander Scipio used his superior Legions against Hannibal’s infantry and elephants. As the battle developed the Roman and auxilia cavalry defeated

Hannibal’s mounted troops, then returned to the battlefield to attack Hannibal’s army from the rear. This caused Hannibal’s line to collapse, with many of his men massacred.

Helmet: Similar in appearance to the infantry galea, the helmet was frequently made of iron, and covered in a sheet of copper or other decorative metal.

Shield: Period images suggest the cavalry carried oval scutum (shields) with a metal “boss” to protect the hand gripping the shield.

Cavalry Lance: Derived from the contus, cavalrymen might carry a half lance, or thrusting spear.

Mail: By the first century Roman cavalry were wearing lorica hamata (chain mail) cuirasses, believed to have been developed by the Celts as early as 300 BCE.

Throwing spears: Roman auxilia cavalry typically carried javelins or short throwing spears.

Sword: Longer than the infantry’s gladius, the Spatha ranged in length from 20-40 inches.

Saddle: Wood, covered with leather, with two horns in front, and two in back, without stirrups.

Sandals: Infantry style with spurs.

Back to the issue this appears in