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The Campanian Cavalry held a prominent place among the mounted forces of ancient Italy, surpassed in renown only by the Samnites. More than mere riders, they were highly trained warriors skilled in the tactics of mobile warfare. They excelled at skirmishing, striking swiftly before disengaging to avoid prolonged combat, yet they were equally capable of delivering powerful melee attacks when needed. Their equipment reflected this adaptability: bronze armor provided substantial protection without compromising agility, while their armament included javelins for harassing enemy lines and the Greek kopis, a curved, single-edged sword designed for devastating slashes from horseback. This combination of weaponry and tactics made them one of the most versatile heavy cavalry forces of their time.

The cavalrymen of Campania hailed from a region known for its fertile plains, prosperous cities like Capua, and a long tradition of horse breeding. Initially, they fought alongside the Romans, their expertise proving valuable in the Republic’s early wars. However, as Roman power expanded, tensions mounted, culminating in Capua’s decision to defect to Hannibal Barca following his decisive victory at Cannae. This alliance reinforced Hannibal’s cavalry arm, supplementing his forces alongside the Tarentine horsemen. In the campaigns that followed, the Campanians played a crucial role, their hit-and-run attacks and close-combat prowess proving indispensable.

Yet their choice to side with Carthage would bring dire consequences. Rome, intent on punishing Capua’s betrayal, besieged the city in 211 BC. Despite Hannibal’s attempts to break the siege, Capua fell. The aftermath was brutal—Rome executed or enslaved much of the male population, erasing Capua’s political and military significance. With this, the Campanian Cavalry ceased to exist as a distinct force, its legacy extinguished by Roman retribution. The fall of Capua marked a turning point in the Second Punic War, depriving Hannibal of a key source of experienced cavalry and hastening the decline of his campaign in Italy. Though their time was brief, the skill and effectiveness of the Campanian horsemen underscored both the shifting allegiances and the harsh realities of warfare in the ancient world.

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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