Hat 8055 Spanish Cavalry (Punic Wars)

Carthage is a city-state founded by Phoenician colonists in 814 BC, in what is now northern Tunisia. The city, thanks to the great geographical location and great sailing abilities of its citizens, began to extend its rule in North Africa and southern Europe in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, becoming one of the greatest powers in this part of the world in the 4th century BC. The fleet played a primary role in Carthage, but the land army also played a significant role. Interestingly, during the Punic Wars (264-146 BC) it was composed mainly of mercenaries from almost the entire Mediterranean basin. The Carthaginian cavalry, like the infantry, was divided into several types of cavalry formations. Light cavalry was very important, recruited mainly in Numidia. It played a reconnaissance role, but also harassed the opponent before the battle began. This type of cavalry used mostly light javelins, and its defensive armament was negligible. Heavy cavalry, equipped with armor, often small shields and spears, also played a significant role. Its role on the battlefield can be compared in a way to Macedonian hetairs - it was often she who decided the outcome of the battles and it was she who performed maneuvers on the opponent's wings. In general, it should be assumed that the Carthaginian chiefs during the First and Second Punic Wars (246-241 BC and 218-201 BC) were able to use their cavalry better or much better than their Roman opponents, and Hannibal used it masterfully at Cannae in 216 bc.