Question on the Composition of Roman Legions & Equipment

[Matthew Amt]

Good stuff, thanks for that! In any case, even in a western army, half of all known auxiliary units are cavalry, and half the infantry cohorts are actually mixed infantry and cavalry. That gives a very good ratio of cavalry in any Roman army, even without all the allied contingents.

It should be remembered that Crassus' cavalry was able to drive off the Parthians. But they pursued too far (maybe by Parthian design?), got cut off, surrounded, and shot to pieces. Other campaigns that stayed off the flat open terrain that was perfect for horse archers had better results.

Also remember that Marius defeated largely mounted opponents in North Africa with a mostly legionary force. Infantry can out-march cavalry, simply because men are more durable in harsh conditions than horses. Starve and beat a legionary during a few days of forced marches, and he'll grumble and keep marching, whereas a horse will just die out of spite. Plus many of those mobile nomadic armies were loaded with women and children, not to mention lots of carts and wagons, all of which are slower than a legionary. So if one morning a Roman force appears on the horizon, you don't have time to load up all your people and supplies and get out of there before you are attacked. Basically, a campaign is more than just mobility on an optimal battlefield.

Valete,

Matthew