(01-11-2021, 05:20 AM)Steven James Wrote: I have no problem with the so called "cavalry dash" being made up of Suetonius' guard cavalry. Many consuls did recces during the republic with their guard cavalry, Scipio at the Ticinus comes to mind.
I don't think that there is any comparison. As I read Polybius and Livy, the Roman and Carthaginian armies were an close proximity and Scipio led out all his cavalry and javelineers. This is a world away from dashing 250-odd miles ahead of his main army, through hostile territory, with just his personal bodyguard for protection, when the slightest mishap could have resulted in a whole province being left leaderless. This is not the conduct of a cautious general who liked to leave nothing to chance.
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)