Cavalry Cohorts

[Nathan Ross]

“I have given the command of two cavalry cohorts. (duas cohortes alares)”

This is from a letter quoted in the Historia Augusta, 'Life of Clodius Albinus', which should perhaps make us a bit wary - the HA includes quite a few imperial letters, several of which feature peculiar military details!

In this case, the same account mentions earlier that Albinus was tribunus equites Dalmatas - tribune of the Equites Dalmatae, which seems more in keeping with the probable late 4th century composition date than the supposed later 2nd century setting.

But it would seem unusual for one man to be given control of two units at the same time, whatever they were. Albinus was presumably an equestrian officer though, so would have started commanding an auxiliary cohort; he seems to have later commanded troops from two legions - perhaps in a combined vexillation with added cavalry? - which might be the source of this reference.

“Accius Aquila, Sir, a centurion in the sixth cohort in the auxiliary cavalry, has asked me to send you”

Another odd reference! It was discussed a little here and following.

The best guess seems to be that it refers to a cohors equitata (maybe Cohors VI (something) Equitata?). But that's not a completely satisfactory answer!