09-29-2008, 01:59 AM
This is not a specific roman question ( although it applies to them as well ). My main interest in roman military is the equipment/tactics of the heavy infantry but I watched an episode of " warhorse " last night in which Peter Connolly ( who's opinions I respect ) showed the horned roman cavalry saddle and said he didn't believe it was possible to have used a lance effectively before the advent of this saddle as the rider would be jolted off the horse by the impact.
This left me a little confused as Alexander's companion cavalry, not to mention the parthian cataphracts were obviously very effective. Did ancient cavalry actually charge and impact with lance ( without coming off ) or did they charge to close distance and then " stab " with the lance ?. Also as general question what line would a horse not cross ( ie : would charge loose infantry but not blocks of pikeman ) ?.
Thanks for any help as cavalry, though I find it interesting, is not my strong suit.
This left me a little confused as Alexander's companion cavalry, not to mention the parthian cataphracts were obviously very effective. Did ancient cavalry actually charge and impact with lance ( without coming off ) or did they charge to close distance and then " stab " with the lance ?. Also as general question what line would a horse not cross ( ie : would charge loose infantry but not blocks of pikeman ) ?.
Thanks for any help as cavalry, though I find it interesting, is not my strong suit.
Greg Eyles