Roman use of the Contus

[Michael Kerr]

I don't think Romans introduced contus till reign of Hadrian & even after that the javelin was primary cavary weapon for Roman horsemen for a while? I think at Zama both cavalries had Numidian light cavalry, not lancers. I think Magnesia was the first battle where Romans fought against cataphracts. I don't know what type of spears or javelins Romans used prior to Marius but pila volleys, although effective against the predominately infantry armies of their earlier enemies, probably were shown to be less effective against later cavalry, especially horse archers who could out range them so they probably loaded their armies with auxilliary archers to boost their long range weapons ability. Realistically I think most cavalry attacks would be aimed at flanks or rear after clearing defending cavalry rather than front. As to influences on Roman cavalry who knows, they never forgot Carrhae so probably Parthian horse archery but encounters with Roxolani heavy cavalry closer to home on Danube was probably a major influence on heavy cavalry tactics but I think the Romans always admired the fighting ability of the Celtic or Gallic cavalry & they were probably the major influence in regards to horse gear, weaponry & saddles etc. As to similarity with medieval knights, probabably not, as contus was used with both hands in either overhand or underhand posture & no stirrups or shield. These are just my opinions though.
Regards
Michael Kerr