Black Horsemen: Numidian Light Cavalry
I am currently writing the first book in a new series, out in 2025, centred during the time of the Second Punic War, 218 – 201 BC. It is a fascinating period and one that I previously knew little about, other than some of the more famous exploits of Hannibal Barca, Carthage’s most famous son. What quickly jumped out at me though, was the importance of the city states mercenary forces. In particular those of the Numidian light cavalry in influencing the war and I will write more on this subject in the coming weeks.
Unlike the citizen forces of Rome’s fledgling empire, the armies of Carthage were largely constituted of mercenaries from its near neighbours or even much farther afield, a situation only made possible by the city state’s vast wealth.
At times Carthage’s armies would be constituted of Libyan’s, Liby-Phonenicians, Iberians and Celt-Iberians from Spain, Gauls, Greeks, Balearic islanders and, even at times, Roman deserters. But, perhaps of greatest utility were the Numidians.
The two kingdoms of Numidia supplied Carthage with a numerous, irregular light cavalry. The cavalrymen rode almost naked, or wore only a light tunic, perhaps with a leopard skin wrapped around their left arm, that could serve as a shield for those that did not carry one. They were lightly armed too, holding only three light lances and a buckler. They are notable for not carrying a sword.
Warlike and tireless, the Numidians were superb horsemen. Riding without a saddle or bridle, they guided their mounts by voice command or by the use of a slender rod. The closest thing to a rein was a thin rope-loop at the horse’s neck for use if a more firm hand was needed.
Their horses were fast, mean-looking runts and exceptionally hardy. Unlike other contemporary breeds they needed little fodder or care. Their riders appear never to have groomed them and often just left them to graze on whatever scrub was available, a distinct advantage when on campaign. They were also exceptionally loyal beasts, known to follow their masters around like pets when in camp.
The Numidians skill on horseback was unrivalled and their fleet of foot, shaggy, little mounts gave them exceptional mobility on the battlefield. Their favoured tactic was to dart in close enough to an enemy force or position and attack with their javelins. However, their manoeuvrability meant they were able to withdraw quickly, avoiding risky hand to hand combat with a better armed and armoured opponent. Not wearing chest armour or helmets gave them greater mobility than an enemy, but also meant their protection was limited and if unhorsed the Numidian was close to useless.
Polybius, the Greek historian, noted that Numidians did not kill in great numbers but nor did they suffer large numbers of casualties.
The Numidian’s tactics in war had evolved out of the low-intensity tribal warfare of this period as they competed for grazing rights and water access. Their usefulness on the battlefield was as shock troops. They could not collide with massed ranks of infantry like a heavy cavalry unit might. But, with swift attacks and accurate volleys of javelins, the Numidians would harass and disrupt an enemy formation, either keeping them away from the main battle or luring them out of a defensive position to a place where they could be engaged by heavier units.
The speed, stamina and general hardiness of the horses meant that the Numidians were also of great use away from the battlefield. Carthaginian generals, including the legendary Hannibal, used them extensively as scouts and reconnaissance units. They would raid Roman camps, burn crops to prevent them from foraging for food or collecting water. This gave the Carthaginians the ability to maintain pressure on their enemy even whilst avoiding a pitched battle. This is ably demonstrated by the example of the Roman general Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio, uncle of the renowned Roman commander, Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus.
Forced into a desperate night withdrawal following the defeat of his force, and separately the destruction of his brother’s army, at the twin battles of The Upper Baetis, Gnaeus and his beleaguered men were harassed continually during the long hours of the next day by a fleet force of Numidians. The light cavalry forced the Roman’s to seek a defensive position to fend them off. Now, pinned in place, the main body of the Carthaginian army was able to catch up. Surrounded now and on poorly chosen ground the Roman army was destroyed and Gnaeus killed.
The Numidians are a fascinating people and their impact in wars between Rome and Carthage, and in later periods, was extensive and I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.
Alistair Tosh is a novelist and the author of Siege, the first in the Edge of Empire series.
