Roman Heavy Cavalry (1)

Cataphractarii & Clibanarii, 1st Century BC–5th Century AD

Roman Heavy Cavalry (1) cover

Description

From the army of Marc Antony in the 1st century BC, Roman generals hired Oriental heavy armoured cavalry to serve in their military alongside the legions. These troops, both from the northern steppes and the Persian frontiers, continued an ancient tradition of using heavy armour and long lances, and fought in a compact formation for maximum shock effect. They were quite distinct from conventional Roman light cavalry, and they served across the Empire, including in Britain. They became ever more important during the 3rd century wars against Parthia, both to counter their cavalry and to form a mobile strategic reserve.

Displaying these impressive and imposing cavalry units using vivid specially commissioned artwork, this first book in a two part series on Roman Heavy Cavalry examines their use over the Imperial period up to the fall of Western Empire in the 5th century A.D.

Table of Contents

* Introduction * Origins of heavy armoured cavalry – Thracian allies, and steppe peoples * History and dispersal of units * Organization * Tactics * Weapons – spears, long swords, maces * Armour and clothing * Horse armour * Standards and flags * Representative battles and campaigns * Bibliography

Product details

Published Nov 29 2018
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472830036
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Elite
Short code ELI 225
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Raffaele D’Amato

Raffaele D'Amato, PhD, is the author of some 40 bo…

Author

Andrei Negin

Andrei Negin was born, educated and works in Nizhn…

Illustrator

Andrei Negin

Andrei Negin was born, educated and works in Nizhn…

Resources

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