The equites sagittarii formed a considerable force in the auxilia of the early and middle empire, but they, and particularly their role and employment, have received little scholarly attention. This paper will attempt to define their place on the battlefields of the high Empire. While horse archers are known to have been used in eastern armies such as the those of the Persians and Parthians with great effect, they were recruited into and employed by the Roman army in strength only starting at the reign of Augustus. Units of horse archers were almost exclusively recruited from eastern lands and were employed there as well, not only in war, but also as the border garrisons of Pannonia, Dacia, Africa, and the Levant.

Download File Size:14.94 MB

---