Sub-Roman Britain (Cavalry etc)

[Alanus]

Three hundred armed, experienced, trained and disciplined warriors--on foot or mounted--could have made a lot of difference in a fifth century battle, especially if they were backed by a local levy--even if the latter were mostly farmers or hunters.

But there seems to be no direct evidence that such a force actually existed, though the clues in various literary sources are tantalizing.

What if one guy couldn't make it? It would be the 299! :lol:

I don't know what constitutes "direct evidence" in this game, Ron. But the figures "three hundred" and perhaps more important "nine hundred would listen to him" both come from the song "Chair of the Sovereign." A few years back, the "historicity" of songs (Celtic or otherwise) were dismissed. Today many of us have a different view. Cassiodurus could never have written the History of the Goths had it not been for the Greutungi singers of songs. Bardic songs remained accurate because the meter, rhyme, and inflection could not be changed without altering the poetic structure. It remains the oldest form of "history;" and when it is altered by changes or additions, the result is noticable. We see this "pollution" in the Death of Geriant, where the verse concerning Arthur is a spurious addition. :roll:

It seems likely that the references to three post-Roman cavalries may derive from truth. If this is the case we may be looking at scaled-down alae from the Roman figure of 500. Much has been said on these threads about the need for monies, horses, armor, etc., along with the pros and cons of Britain's post-Roman capabilities. I see no problem. A Briton unhitched his horse from the plow. He cut a 7-foot ash for a lancea... and in a pinch, whittled and hardened the point without even using an iron head (if that what "emergency" required). The Brits were not destitute farmers and had a fairly rich "tyrannus" in every canton. They had grandfather's armor and sword. And they retained Roman tactics. All of these components would have aided an effective British cavalry-- a cavalry that even in the 19th century was still called the Royal Lancers. :wink: