06-10-2009, 06:31 PM
Quote:There seems to be a wish, even a longing, for post Roman British cavalry to mirror Roman cavalry. I have no such romatic idea. I'm going to brush over the issues around professional armies, centralised supply and training, compared to "tribal warbands". Instead I would just like to make a few basic comments.
I agree with John. Of course we do not have the sources that allow us a good look at post-Roman forces in britain. But we do know more about post-Roman forces in Spain and Gaul, areas which were richer and better off than Britain durinf, say, the last quarter of the fifth century. And if a comparison is possible, it does not look good for any chances of survival of cavalry forces that look anything like Late Roman cavalry.
At best, I'd say if I could venture a guess, one would encounter small forces around warlords (hardly standing forces) of mounted men with spears and swords. Armour, maybe - possibly. But not widespread, since the cost of production and maintainace would be considerable if we look at the economic circumstances of post-Roman western Europe. Horse armour - best about it.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)