The Centurion and his horse questions.

[jkaler48]

All references I (think to) know of shields on carts are from later period round shields. I don't remeber anything about this in imperial period.

personally I don't support the "riding centurion" idea myself, but there is imperial period reference for rectangular scutums on carts during march (though they may be replacment shields only):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... _XXXVI.jpg

and there is the tombstone of Titus Calidius Severus from Carnuntum which shows a horse together with somebody (Titus or his servant?):

http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/ ... Itemid,94/

of course the latter doesn't prove anything, it can be only the showing of the deceased's personal wealth and has nothing to do with the army.

Well if he is in uniform holding his horse it is a different matter than if he is wearing his off duty or retired civilian outfit and is depicted riding for pleasure. Also it could be
a servant holding the horse showing he was wealthy enough to have both a horse and servant to care for it. What does everyone think of the figures outfit?
Also is it known if their was any difference in civilian vs military saddle and tack? That would be a clue also. It looks like a short tunic which would argue for military dress or
a servant but then again civilian riding attire may have called for a short tunic just like shorts are worn for sports now. The saddle doesn't appear to have horns like a military saddle.