- The Equites Legionis, meaning cavalry of the legion, were Light Cavalry Units attached to each Legion, consisting of Auxilia (Roman Auxiliaries).
- The function of the Roman cavalry was to conduct Patrols, act as Scouts, Messengers, Light Skirmishers and to chase a Fleeing Enemy.
Description
- Sources vary, but it seems that during the Empire, each Legion had 120 men divided into 4 Turmae, with each Turma having 30-32 horses. They were mostly ‘Lancearii’ meaning Light Cavalry.
- The Equites Legionis were commanded by a Praefectus Alae, helped by an Optio and a Vexillarius.
- Each Alae of 32 men was commanded by a Decurion with a sub unit of 10 horses.
- His second in command was a Duplicarius who commanded another 10 horse unit and his third in command was a Sesquiplicarius who commanded the third 10 horse unit.
- The standard was carried by the Signifer.
- The Cavalrymen received 20% more than the usual Legionary Pay.
Structure of the Roman Cavalry Unit
- Eques Alaris:
- The basic mounted Cavalryman.
- Turma:
- A ‘Squadron’ of 30 or 32 ‘Eques Alaris’ commanded by a Decurion.
- The Turma was subdivided into 3 groups of 10 men, each led by an officer.
- Alae: ‘Wing’ 512 men
- The Wing was divided into 16 Turmae. Commanded by a Praefectus Alae.
- Ala Millliariae: c. 1,000 men
- This was divided into 32 Turmae. Commanded by a Prefectus Alae.
Chain of Command
- Praefectus Alae:
- He commanded the Cavalry Unit (also known as the Prefectus Equitum).
- Decurio or Decurion:
- He commanded the Turmae of 32 men (as well as a unit of 10 men).
- Duplicarius:
- He second in command to the Decurion (and commanded a unit of 10 men).
- Sesquiplicarius:
- The third in command to the Decurion (and commanded a unit of 10 men).
- Signifer Turmae
- He carried the Standard. He was the Signaller transmitting calls by Bygle.
- In an Auxiliary Cavalry Cohort, the Standard Bearer was called the Draconarius.
- Eques Alaris:
- The basic cavalryman.
Cavalry Job Descriptions
- Centurio Exercitator:
- cavalry instructor.
- Eques Speculator:
- cavalry scout.
- Eques Sapsarius:
- cavalry medic.
- Signifer Turma:
- Signals were transmitted by the Standard Bearer using a Bugle.
Cavalry Types
- Lancearii/ Antisignani:
- Light Cavalry, such as the Equites Legionis.
- Conttarii:
- Carried the heavy Lance (Contus).
- Equites Cataphractarii/ Clibanarii:
- Heavy Cavalry covered in armour against Archers.
- Sagittarii:
- mounted Archers.
- Roman Camel Corps
- Known to have been in service in Syria.
Clothing and Weapons
- A Corinthian Helmet that covered the entire head and neck.
- A Bronze Breastplate.
- Bronze Greaves that covered the legs.
- Chainmail was also worn at a later date.
- A Lance.
- Short throwing Spears.
- The Spatha, the Roman Longsword used by the Auxilia.
Bugle Calls
- Signals were transmitted by the Standard Bearer using a Bugle.
- Calls were given to the Cavalry to Charge, Retreat, Assemble, Disperse, Mount and Dismount, and so on.
Cavalry Tactics
- The Cavalry were deployed on the flanks of the Legion in Battle to protect and screen the Infantry from the enemy Cavalry.
- They were organised in their Turmae and arranged in three ranks.
- Within the Turma they often rode in echelon, each rider’s shield protecting the next one.
- Cavalry were also used for sending Messages, for Scouting, Skirmishing and Pursuit of a vanquished enemy.