07-07-2012, 05:37 PM
Quote:Vindex post=315905 Wrote:The 80km a day (50 miles) is associated with Gallienus' rapid strike force. (Note to self - check if it is Roman miles or standard miles which have been used in the calculation). Furthermore Gallienus' force at Milan was between 50 and 60 alae (Cheesman 1941) so 25,ooo troopers (that's a LOT of fodder and a massive muck heap for the horses!) to be dispatched as required.I hate to spoil a good discussion, but ... what rapid strike force?!
I have to ask too....
Firstly - which Cheesman in 1941? The Cheesman I was aware of that produced the seminal study on the Roman Auxilia died in 1915 at Gallipoli... His son?
Second, and part of what I've been looking at these last 6 months - does anyone else think that that is a completely incredible amount of military horsepower? And I mean 'beyond credibility'!
On the assumption that a Troop of cavalry takes up the same living space as a Century - and even 60 Ala D are assumed to be 16 Troops strong each - that's 16 Legion-sized camps/fortresses just for somewhere to live!
PS - Should have read to the end before posting:oops:, my apologies - but I'd still appreciate any comment on the total numbers of cavalry attested in various sources.....
