Mauretanian cavalry

**anubis88** · 04-08-2010, 21:33

Hello.

I'm not an expert in this part, and i will not pretend being, but nonetheles i will make a suggestion.

I'm studying for my Roman history exam, and rumour has it, that the Principate will be the main topic, so i decided to check this area more. My focus in Roman History was always the middle and late republic (thanks to EB i must say), and never about the principate, since, well honestly, no mod centers on that area (which is a shame imho).

So to get to the point, what struck me was, the huge amount of praise for the cavalry of the Mauretanians. They are mentioned in at least 10 places, culminating in their major impact during the reign of Trajan, where they are described as the elite of the elite. They are mentioned many times before, serving as a very important part of the armies of the Roman Emperors, (even Avgustus IIRC).

So, i know that i'm talking about an era more then 300 years after the game's start, but it did make me wonder about the subject.

Did the Mauretanian cavalry really became so powerful that much later on? Were they unsignificant during EB's main time frame? Or were they thought of being included in EB I, but they just didn't make the cut (other units were more important)?

The book unfortunatly doesn't describe how this cavalry looked like, but i would really be interested in some feedback on the subject.

Thanks a lot

**Megas Methuselah** · 04-08-2010, 22:11

Mauretania got a big chunk of Numidia following the Jugurthine War, IIRC. In fact, if you look at this map, you'll see the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariaensis. Emperor Claudius was the guy who divided Mauretaunia into two parts (according to wikipedia, anyways), with this Mauretania Caesariensis being the eastern part, and the west edge of Roman North Africa being the province of Mauretania Tingitana.

Because of that, I assume that the old province of Mauretania was once comprised of the total landmass of both of those provinces. Remember, Mauretania received a large chunk of Numidia following the Jugurthine War, so that's why it extended so far east than represented in-game. Because of this, I think that it's safe to assume that when the ancients speak of Mauretanian cavalry, they may be referring to the cavalry that is recruited from Mauretania Caesariensis and, since much of what was once Numidia is included in the territory of that province, the "Mauretanian" cavalry might actually be composed of Numidians.

And we all know how wonderful the Numidian cavalry is.

(Btw, this is the conclusion of my own thoughts and logic; history isn't my degree's major, only my minor, and I haven't even graduated yet, so if someone more qualified than me challenges this, I surrender without a fight)

**anubis88** · 04-09-2010, 09:21

Your thought process is very simmilar to mine, since i came to te same conclusion. Interestingly though, in a chapter, it is mentioned that Africa was known for having excellent cavalry, and the numidians are mentioned as though different then the Mauretanians. Dunno really

Thanks for your opinion. I guess it could be the right one

**Megas Methuselah** · 04-09-2010, 21:44

Originally Posted by anubis88

Your thought process is very simmilar to mine, since i came to te same conclusion. Interestingly though, in a chapter, it is mentioned that Africa was known for having excellent cavalry, and the numidians are mentioned as though different then the Mauretanians. Dunno really

Thanks for your opinion. I guess it could be the right one

**seienchin** · 04-10-2010, 00:11

Well Ebs focus is on anything but north african units outside the carthagenian rooster. Thats why Im so looking forward to EBII. :)

**JMRC** · 04-16-2010, 22:13

I suggest a look into our 2nd preview of the Numidian faction, precisely the one featuring the north african people. You'll get your answers about the Maures and their cavalry there, although some of the pics are not available anymore, unfortunately.

**Megas Methuselah** · 04-16-2010, 22:52

Originally Posted by JMRC

I suggest a look into our 2nd preview of the Numidian faction, precisely the one featuring the north african people. You'll get your answers about the Maures and their cavalry there, although some of the pics are not available anymore, unfortunately.

Oh, wow! They're so beautiful! Didn't realize the Maurisioi had some cav tucked away there...

**anubis88** · 04-18-2010, 17:17

Wow i can't believe i missed that :S... That preview seems like ages ago:P
Great work, can't wait to see them in action!

EDIT: Were they really that good of a cavalry? I mean i read 2 book that practically deify the Mauretanian cavalry.... Were they really that good, or is the book a bit biased?