Roman Veterinary Medicine

• Horses formed an important component of Ancient Warfare and the outcome of a battle could depend on the cavalry. Consequently, Roman horses were well fed and well looked after.
• The Roman military historian Vegetius (5th century CE), wrote a treatise on veterinary medicine.

Vegetius

• Digesta Artis Mulomedicinae
  • This is the Treatise on veterinary medicine by Vegetius (a lesser known work than his ‘De Rei Militari’).
  • In Book III, the first four chapters deal with Anatomy of Horses.

Polybius

• According to Polybius, horses were fed on Barley, and were allocated 6 Bushels per month.

Roman Cavalry

• The Roman Legion used horses which were bred from stock which came from Persia, Cappadocia, Iberia and Libya.