Let's talk about cavalry

[QuintusSertorius]

I don't like archers of any stripe, and horse archers sound like far too much in-battle micromanagement. I'm an infantry commander at heart.

[Aaldaemon]

I don't like archers of any stripe, and horse archers sound like far too much in-battle micromanagement. I'm an infantry commander at heart.

So was I... so was I... but I have seen the error of my ways.

[konny]

I am not impressed by the Brihentin either. Neither in my Sweboz nor in my Roman campaigns had the Gaulish nobles been able to create much havoc upon my forces. That is much different when facing Carthagians or Greeks. Their bodyguards are something to fear.

Another unit what I do respect are the Thracians: probably the best light cavalry when it comes to fight infantry. My Epeirote enemies use them to a great effect.

Talking about Italians: Equites Romani are useless for their price. They preform a bit better than Hippeis but for the price of Thessalians and the like. Extraordinarii and Campanians are definitly worth their money. I found that the Campanians is one of the best unit to cut down routing enemies (you need a widespread formation and swords seem to be more suitable than lances). Nevertheless, your best cavalry playing the Romans are the Equites Consulares.

Another excellent light cavalry in the West would be the Numidians. Playing Cartahgo, I found that I better do not send Iberian light cavalry 1vs1 against them. They can be real cavalry killers when the enemy is not to heavyly armoured.

Iberian cavalry, Leuce Epos, Cantabrians, Ligurians and the other Western cavalry preforms more or less as you would expect from them. But Ridnaz are useless (in particular given their price).

[QuintusSertorius]

Are Ridnaz those Celto-Germanic horse?

[Aaldaemon]

Are Ridnaz those Celto-Germanic horse?

I think he means Ridonez - the Germanic light cavalry. I don't like them over much - and I've come to love cavalry - so I doubt you will...

I've played the Romans a lot, and my favorite cavalry (discounting the ones you get after reforms) were always the Extraordinarii... although I've used Brihentin a lot more due to some wierd roleplay reasons. I don't think you'll find a better cavalry than the Extraordinarii... The obvious better cavalry troops are out of bounds to the Romani... no Hetairoi or Cataphracts... so as far as I'm concerned the Extraordinarii is IT - if you want to use cavalry at all.

[konny]

I think he means Ridonez - the Germanic light cavalry. I don't like them over much - and I've come to love cavalry - so I doubt you will...

Yes, these.

[Cambyses]

I mostly use heavy cavaly just for breaking enemy infantry formations also. They are more effective than light cav at this purpose due to their heavier impact.

Contrary to what someone else said above, the rider type cavalry can be very efficient on the battlefield. The key is to weaken and exhaust the enemy before charging home though. Thats why Riders are popular because you can achieve both functions with the same unit.

And this is true of any cavalry at any time. If the enemy isnt at least very tired, wait until they are before charging with a single unit. Obviously running off skirmishers is a different story.

Personally Im very fond of Dahae Riders.

But the point, to my mind of heavy cavalry is to force the enemy to break quicker. You can engage down the whole length of the line with infantry and no doubt eventually win by slugging it out and wandering light cav along behind the enemy. But using several units of heavy cavalry you can claim a massive and powerful numerical advantage in one part of the field that enables you to win quickly and with low casualties, then turn the victorious part of your army on the remainder of the enemy and wrap up a nice clean win.

Whenever Ive used the Romans in a historically accurate way they always take much higher casualties than their eastern rivals, including any Greek faction.