The Roman Cavalry. From the First to the third Century A.D. - DIXON, K.R., and P. SOUTHERN,

London/New York, 2005. 256p. Richly ills.(B&W photographs and line drawings). Paperback. Initials stamp, date and personal library mark on free endpaper.Antiquarian Titel: The Roman Cavalry. From the First to the third Century A.D. Auteur: DIXON, K.R., and P. SOUTHERN,
'There are, it seems to the reviewer, three main sources of information about Roman cavalry. First, literary accounts of cavalry in action. Secondly, epigraphic records, including the bronze diplomas. Thirdly, archaeological evidence, in the form of excavated remains of forts in which cavalry was stationed, and small finds of the specialised equipment needed by horse and rider. this study underutilises the first two categories. There is indeed a chapter on recruitment, but it is devoted almost entirely to the procedure of mechanisms by which a young man was received into the army. Inscriptions provide so much of our knowledge of changing recruitment patterns, the ethnic make-up and socio-economic background of the cavalry, which regiments existed and where they were stationed, unit organisation and command structure. Essentially therefore this is an archaeological survey; readers will be surprised by the extent of present day knowledge. It is good that the authors have drawn upon comparative literature on cavalry in Napoleontic and Victorian times. (...) The book is handsomely produced, and beautifully illustrated by line drawings prepared by Karen Dixon. The Plates emphasise cavalry equipment, especially the 'parade' of 'sports' armour. There is a useful glossary of technical terms.' (LAWRENCE KEPPIE on the first edition in The Classical Review (New Series), 1993, p.348).