We are so excited to have Northern Horse back again for our Auxilia event 30th & 31st May
EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE https://parkinthepast.org.uk/events/auxilia/
Park in the Past
Fagl Lane, Hope
LL12 9HB
Open - Sat & Sun 9.30 am - 4pm
Last entry, 1 hour before closing time.
FACTS ABOUT ROMAN CAVALRY
Roman cavalry in Britain, primarily composed of auxiliary units (alae) rather than legionaries,they were elite, diverse, and heavily armed fighters, often serving 25-year terms to gain citizenship. They were crucial for frontier security, particularly along Hadrian's Wall, and used specialized equipment like mail/scale armor, javelins, and, at times, armored horses (cataphracts).
* Cavalry units were often 500 or 1000 strong (an ala or cohors equitata). While early auxiliary leaders were local chiefs, by the 2nd century AD, many prefects were Roman.
*Units came from across the empire, including Gaul, Belgium, Spain, and later, Sarmatian troops from the Danube region.
* Major cavalry forts included Chesters (Cilurnum) and Malton (Ala Picentiana).
Living Conditions: Excavations at Wallsend and South Shields reveal that cavalrymen lived in the same barracks as their horses, with horses stabled in the front room and soldiers in the back.
Follow this link for information about the cavalry at Malton
* They used light javelins for initial attacks followed by swords for close combat. Equipment included oval shields, helmets, and sometimes protective amulets (phallus symbols) to protect against the "evil eye".
*Sarmatian Influence: In AD 175, 5,500 Sarmatian, heavily armored cataphracts were sent to Britain, with a major unit stationed at Ribchester, influencing the local culture for generations.
* Beyond fighting, they conducted scouting, patrolled frontiers, and maintained security along vital, newly built roads.
* Upon completing 25 years of service, they received citizenship, which was documented with bronze diplomas.
Don't forget, you can see the amazing Northern Horse in action at this years Auxilia, here at Park in the Past .
For more event information just follow this link
We can't wait!! 
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