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Osprey Warrior #15
Late Roman Cavalryman AD 236–565
The twilight of the Roman Empire saw a revolution in the way war was waged. The drilled infantryman, who had been the mainstay of Mediterranean armies since the days of the Greek hoplite, was gradually replaced by the mounted warrior. This change did not take place overnight, and in the 3rd and 4th centuries the role of the cavalryman was primarily to support the infantry. However, by the time of the 6th century, the situation had been completely reversed. Late Roman Cavalryman gives a full account of the changing experience of the mounted soldiers who defended Rome's withering western empire.
64 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 17, 2024
LATE ROMAN CAVALRYMAN 236-565 AD is another of the fine, if rather short books put out by Osprey Publishing covering military history, as well as weapons and tactics that were responsible for it. This particular title is about the transformation of the Roman army from a heavy infantry force to a mobile one of armored horsemen. The Romans still had a use for infantry, but they were becoming more of a garrison force or guards for the camp while on campaign.
These cavalrymen evolved over time from skirmishers who scouted for the infantry on the march and covered their flanks on the battlefield to the main shock force that decided the engagements.
The horses they rode were smaller than modern ones and had a useful life of three to five years. Their riders controlled them with their reins which were attached to bits that could be quite painful and would not be allowed today. Stirrups were not used but the saddle design made up for this. Some horses wore armor but even just chamfrons were of value as they could frighten other horses.
Being expert horsemen they learned to mount while wearing armor and carrying their weapons, which included bow, arrows, sword, shield and lance.
Their tactics were to charge, or rather trot, towards the enemy, fire arrows and then veer off and circle back to reform before charging again. These men could shoot in any direction while in the saddle. Horses will not run into a line of interlocking shields so physical contact would not be made, hence the arrow barrages. If the enemy did break then they would continue forward to engage with their lances and swords.
While on campaign the locals were expected to provide shelter and provisions for them, even though they often had their families with them.
The author noted that, "the well developed system of medical care was unrivaled in Europe until the modern era."
Plenty of illustrations were provided.
These cavalrymen evolved over time from skirmishers who scouted for the infantry on the march and covered their flanks on the battlefield to the main shock force that decided the engagements.
The horses they rode were smaller than modern ones and had a useful life of three to five years. Their riders controlled them with their reins which were attached to bits that could be quite painful and would not be allowed today. Stirrups were not used but the saddle design made up for this. Some horses wore armor but even just chamfrons were of value as they could frighten other horses.
Being expert horsemen they learned to mount while wearing armor and carrying their weapons, which included bow, arrows, sword, shield and lance.
Their tactics were to charge, or rather trot, towards the enemy, fire arrows and then veer off and circle back to reform before charging again. These men could shoot in any direction while in the saddle. Horses will not run into a line of interlocking shields so physical contact would not be made, hence the arrow barrages. If the enemy did break then they would continue forward to engage with their lances and swords.
While on campaign the locals were expected to provide shelter and provisions for them, even though they often had their families with them.
The author noted that, "the well developed system of medical care was unrivaled in Europe until the modern era."
Plenty of illustrations were provided.
February 1, 2026
A good overview despite the challenges in an often overlooked and confusing period of civilizational collapse.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews