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Iberian Cavalry, were at the time largely regarded as some of, if not the best heavy cavalry force of the ancient world. The Iberian Peninsula was a crucible of ancient warfare, producing formidable warriors renowned for their skill and ferocity. Among these elite forces were the Iberian cavalry, a formidable unit that played a pivotal role in the region’s history. Hailing from a land renowned for its horse breeding, these horsemen were renowned for their swiftness, adaptability, and prowess in both open plains and rugged terrain.

Unlike the lighter, skirmishing Numidian cavalry, the Iberians were typically deployed as heavy cavalry. Their horses, bred to endure the challenging Iberian landscape, were as hardy and resilient as their riders. While saddles were not universally used, a combination of girth, blanket, and sometimes a Hellenistic-style saddle provided basic support. Bridles and bits, often of the snaffle type, controlled these powerful animals, while head protection was typically a metal chamfrom.

Iberian cavalrymen were primarily armed with a long, leaf-shaped lance, a formidable weapon capable of delivering devastating blows. A falcate, a curved sword, served as a secondary weapon, and there is evidence suggesting that some cavalrymen fought on foot alongside infantry, armed with a falcate and a caetra (a small round shield).

While the Iberian cavalry were often depicted without significant armor beyond a helmet, this may be a simplification. It is likely that the level of protection varied based on rank and wealth. Bronze helmets, sometimes of Greek style, were common, but these were probably reserved for leaders and the aristocracy. Leg protection was provided by long boots, which offered some defense against cuts and impacts.

The Iberian cavalry’s reputation for excellence spread beyond the peninsula. They served as mercenaries for Carthage and later for Rome, demonstrating their adaptability and combat prowess. Their effectiveness in both open and rugged terrain was crucial during the Punic Wars, where they easily routed the roman cavalry.

Recognizing the formidable equestrian skills of the Iberian Peninsula's inhabitants, the Roman military wisely incorporated these horsemen into their ranks following the conquest of Hispania. These cavalry units, particularly the Alae Quingenariae, proved instrumental in maintaining Roman military supremacy. The later Roman Empire witnessed a concentration of Iberian cavalry within these forces, with notable contingents hailing from tribes such as the Astures, Arevaci, and Vettones. Units like the Ala Asturum, Ala Arevacorum, and the renowned Ala Hispanorum Vettonum exemplified this trend. By leveraging the specialized cavalry expertise of these Iberian horsemen, Rome was able to effectively counter the cavalry-dominant forces prevalent in the East and expand its territorial dominion.

SOURCES:
https://www.worldhistory.org/
https://www.britannica.com/
Armies of the Carthaginian Wars 265-146 BC: 121 (Men-at-Arms) - Terence Wise
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