Roman Cavalry

[Hippeis]

Hello all,

I'm a new member to this site, however not new to re-enactment. I'm a member of the Ancient Hoplitikon in Australia. I'm starting to put together a Roman Cavalry kit, I have bought a Cavalry Helmet with face plate so far. I've been looking into what armor the cavalry would have used, in either the Republic or Imperial era, would they have worn a Lorica Hamata whilst on horseback, or a Segmentata, or both depending on their preference? I've tried to look into what the Roman Cavalry man's kit would have consisted off but so far haven't been able to find much reference material to help me, if anyone is knowledgeable in this area, I'd love to hear you're suggestions

[jvrjenivs]

First, I would suggest you to have a look to the 'cavalry topic' in the re-enactment and reconstruction area. About all Cavalry re-enactors on RAT are discussing all kind of things in there. link from old RAT

For you answer about lorica. I don't know of any evidence for segmentata on horseback. I would go for either a hamata (chain) or sqamata (scale) in your timeframe.

Some sources that you can find interesting:
Karen R. Dixon & Pat Southern – The Roman Cavalry
Markus Junkelmann – Die Reiter Roms I, II, III
Markus Junkelmann – Reiter wie Statuen aus Erz
I.P. Stephenson & K.R. Dixon – Roman Cavalry Equipment

Of course there is much more written on Roman cavalry, but this are some sources where also equipment is discussed.

[Vindex]

Deleted it as repeating information!

There is also Ann Hypand's boook, Equus, but I am not a huge fan TBH.

[jvrjenivs]

Deleted it as repeating information!

There is also Ann Hypand's boook, Equus, but I am not a huge fan TBH.

Think you mean Ann Hyland. Didn't read it, but have heard some stories it isn't the best work around. And as I get it it is more about the horses and less about the riders equipment, where this post is about. (but correct me if I'm wrong)

[Vindex]

Thank you - yes , spelling not right. - Ann Hyland

There is a chapter on equipment. I assume if someone is interested in cavalry, they have an interest in the horse as well.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

No horse, no cavalry!

[John Conyard]

If you have the time look around the site and you will find a cavalryman's kit recreated. Tethering spike etc.

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and take a look at

http://comitatus.net/cavalryresearch.html

[P Sertorius Scaevola]

The hard tack is absolutely great John! That's a lovely set of bits and pieces combined into a troopers holdall

[John Conyard]

The tethering peg is the best bit. Great for the kids

[Robert]

That picture also has some interesting "smithy bits" in it. As a blacksmith, always looking for new things to make. The knife looks a bit dodgy, though, have you got a historical reference for the Roman period on that one? Would be interested in viewing it. All (original) knives of that type I have seen so far have the handle plates extend onto the blade, with 5 rivets securing plates to handles AND they are mostly dated late iron age La Tene culture. So would be very pleased with any additional data. Am making such a Port knife now, by the way. Commissioned piece, I love making knives and things!

[John Conyard]

I suspect that the "knife" is actually a saw. The only blade I can see is the razor.

With a friend I made a lot of knives last year for Comitatus members, and I think there is at least one article up on the website.

[jvrjenivs]

That picture also has some interesting "smithy bits" in it. As a blacksmith, always looking for new things to make.

You may always make me one or two tethering pegs, Robert

[Robert]

You're on! Or you could drive over and attempt to make them yourself. Get a good drawing with size, please.
First you need the horses to tie them to sorted out, though. The Ala project from Leader is still on, so I gathered. More news soon, park moving into a new stage this year, me hopes. Target area is still Millingen.

[jvrjenivs]

You're on! Or you could drive over and attempt to make them yourself. Get a good drawing with size, please.
First you need the horses to tie them to sorted out, though. The Ala project from Leader is still on, so I gathered. More news soon, park moving into a new stage this year, me hopes. Target area is still Millingen.

Actually we've now two horses Seems we have to talk soon.