09-28-2011, 03:02 AM
It would be interesting to know the context in which you found the reference to this unit.
My initial thoughts are as follows. It is a cohors equitata, so it will have been a part-mounted unit having both infantry and cavalry elements in it. It was initially recruited from Spaniards from Lusitania but the title Cyrenaica implies that it later had a long or otherwise distinguished association with that province. Scutata may be translated as 'shield-bearing' but this could apply to any unit, so it must have a greater significance here. It could mean that one or other of the elements within the unit was equipped with a particular type of shield (possibly, but not necessarily, the curved legionary shield) or employed tactics involving the use of the shield in a particular manner or both, as one will often depend upon the other. A study of other units of scutati in the army may indicate what the meaning of this term might be.
My initial thoughts are as follows. It is a cohors equitata, so it will have been a part-mounted unit having both infantry and cavalry elements in it. It was initially recruited from Spaniards from Lusitania but the title Cyrenaica implies that it later had a long or otherwise distinguished association with that province. Scutata may be translated as 'shield-bearing' but this could apply to any unit, so it must have a greater significance here. It could mean that one or other of the elements within the unit was equipped with a particular type of shield (possibly, but not necessarily, the curved legionary shield) or employed tactics involving the use of the shield in a particular manner or both, as one will often depend upon the other. A study of other units of scutati in the army may indicate what the meaning of this term might be.
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
