Numidian cavalry

[2][unreliable source] Numidian horsemen rode without saddles or bridles, controlling their mounts with a simple rope around their horse's neck and a small riding stick.

Due to their expert horsemanship and agility, as well as their lack of armor or heavy weaponry, they were most suitable for harassing tactics, charging in loose formation and lobbing their javelins before wheeling off to escape the enemy's counterattack.

Their ability to disrupt Roman supply lines, gather intelligence, and exploit terrain advantages played a significant role in Hannibal's early successes in Italy.

Despite their remarkable feats, the Numidians' contributions to the Second Punic War often go overlooked, overshadowed by the more prominent roles played by Roman and Carthaginian infantry and commanders.

The Numidian horsemen stand as a testament to the power of adaptation, resilience, and tactical ingenuity, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming odds, smaller forces can make a significant impact on the course of history.

Their skilled horsemanship and familiarity with the North African terrain proved valuable in scouting, harassing Roman supply lines, and engaging in skirmishes.

a Numidian Cavalryman
The battle of Cannae , where the Numidian cavalry helped to defeat the Roman cavalry, allowing the Carthaginians (blue) to encircle and defeat the Roman army (red)
Second Punic War
Massinissa , King of Numidia
Numidian knight
Roman Numidian cavalry under Lusius Quietus fighting in the Dacian wars , from the Column of Trajan