03-29-2007, 05:27 PM
The ratio of Roman Cavalry to Infantry isn't too different from that in the Medieval period, depending on what sources you use and who you believe. Polybius gives a ratio of around 10,000 Foot to 1,200 Horse when he discusses the organisation of the Roman Army and it's Latin Allies. However, his discussion of actual battles shows that this is fairly theoretical. At Cannae, Polybius indicates the importance of Cavalry and again at Zama by way of contrast.
Actual functions are as Matt indicates, but I would also add 'threatening enemy flanks', since that is the reverse of protecting ones own.
Matthew James Stanham
Actual functions are as Matt indicates, but I would also add 'threatening enemy flanks', since that is the reverse of protecting ones own.
Matthew James Stanham
It is a joyful thing indeed to hold intimate converse with a man after one\'s own heart, chatting without reserve about things of interest or the fleeting topics of the world; but such, alas, are few and far between.
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
