The twilight of the Roman Empire saw a revolution in the way war was waged. The drilled infantryman, who had been the mainstay of Mediterranean armies since the days of the Greek hoplite, was gradually replaced by the mounted warrior. This change did not take place overnight, and in the 3rd and 4th centuries the role of the cavalryman was primarily to support the infantry. However, by the time of the 6th century, the situation had been completely reversed. Late Roman Cavalryman gives a full account of the changing experience of the mounted soldiers who defended Rome's withering western empire.

Historical Background · Chronology · Conditions of Service · Training · Equipment · The Experience of Battle · The Soldier on Campaign · Glossary · Bibliography

Simon MacDowall is a professional army officer with a life long passion for history. His hobbies include painting military figurines and wargaming. He has lived in England, Canada, Germany and Belgium as well as seeing service in Central America and the former Yugoslavia. He enjoys good food and drink, travel, wilderness camping and writing.