05-22-2009, 01:15 PM
Even more interesting is the quote from Ammianus, as it describes actual tactics, though--to be honest--that too reflects fairly standard procedure for long-distance calvery manuvers.
"They run over very great distances, pursuing others or themselves turning their backs, being mounted on swift and obedient horses and leading one, or sometimes two, so that an exchange may keep up the strength of their mounts and that their freshness may be renewed by alternative periods of rest.' (Ammianus XVII, 12, 3).
Ammianus wrote late enough in the Empire that his observations may fairly be taken as reflective of the practice of his day, though as noted before ancient standards of objectivity were flexible.
"They run over very great distances, pursuing others or themselves turning their backs, being mounted on swift and obedient horses and leading one, or sometimes two, so that an exchange may keep up the strength of their mounts and that their freshness may be renewed by alternative periods of rest.' (Ammianus XVII, 12, 3).
Ammianus wrote late enough in the Empire that his observations may fairly be taken as reflective of the practice of his day, though as noted before ancient standards of objectivity were flexible.
"Fugit irreparabile tempus" (Irrecoverable time glides away) Virgil
Ron Andrea
Ron Andrea
