[gothic-l] Re: Gothic Advantages- Horses-

[faltin2001]

> 
> Another horse type that is common in East Norway is
> called "dølahest". It is bigger and stronger than
> the others. It is in fact related to the Frisian horse.
> The Frisians were apparently horse specialists.
> And the Romans deployed them as cavalry auxiliaries.
> 

Hi Keth,

the latter comment refers most likely not so much to the Frisians, 
but their neighbours the Batavians. There were several Batavian 
cavalry units in the Roman army and I understand that the name 'a 
Batavian' was at times synonimous with 'cavalryman'.

Here is a page about the Roman cavalry showing some nice pictures, 
and including a section on the types of horses.

http://www.trajan20.freeserve.co.uk/page2.html


The Roman cavalry apparently consited of very different types, 
including mounted archers and heavily armed cataphracts.
According to Ammianus Marcellinus, the best 'barbarian' cavalry in 
the 4th century was that of the Alamanni, who could reportedly muster 
20,000 horsemen.

cheers,
Dirk


 





------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Access Your PC from Anywhere
It's Easy. It's Fast. - Free Download
http://us.click.yahoo.com/AxtVhB/6XkDAA/_ZuFAA/wWMplB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

You are a member of the Gothic-L list.  To unsubscribe, send a blank email to <gothic-l-unsubscribe at egroups.com>. 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/