06-30-2001, 08:24 PM
The Romans never seemed to have much or improved with cavalry.This was their bane in the 2nd Punic War,when Hannibal constantly defeated them with this arm.His centre of mixed Carthaginian & mercenary troops would give & break to the weight & superiority of the legion,but his cavalry would rout the opponents weaker horse & wheel to the Romans flanks or rear,turning the tide & winning the day.It was only when this was neutralized & when Hannibals manpower & resources were being depleted that the Romans were able to gain ground & make up for their disastrous losses during the early part of the war.This is most exemplified when Scipio did every means to be superior in cavalry before his date of fate with Hannibal at Zama.<br>
<br>
Why do you think the Romans never improved in this field?Was it lack of interest due to their reliance on their ever trusty legion?Or was it the terrain of Italy,with it's rolling hills unnaturally suited for cavalry?Caesar recruited skilled German horsemen into his army,outnumbering his own native Roman horse.Replies to this would be appreciated. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Why do you think the Romans never improved in this field?Was it lack of interest due to their reliance on their ever trusty legion?Or was it the terrain of Italy,with it's rolling hills unnaturally suited for cavalry?Caesar recruited skilled German horsemen into his army,outnumbering his own native Roman horse.Replies to this would be appreciated. <p></p><i></i>
