Sub-Roman Britain (Cavalry etc)

[Ron Andrea]

And

If we place the Roman cavalry into this revised context, and if we believe that two or three alas remained upon the Isle after Constantine removed to the continent, then Roman horsemen had a lengthened influence upon the island's defenses.

And, by implication, influenced the organization, equipping and training of successor units. If the Roman "departure" was gradual, rather than abrupt, then Roman practice may have extended into the sixth century (though probably as a hybrid of Roman, tribal, and local innovations).

If we're finding artifacts Roman enough to deserve the name in strata associated with the late fifth century, that would support that supposition. (Might also explain why Gildas was so opaque: he assumed his readers were conversant with current politics and military practice and didn't feel the need to explain them. Especially since, as others have pointed out, his letter was more a sermon than a history.)

Thanks.