Numidians 300 BC–AD 300

The Numidian light cavalry were among the best-known horsemen in the ancient world. Riding without saddles or bridle, carrying only hide shields for defense and clutching a handful of light javelins, they were renowned for their darting attacks, swift retreats, and skirmishing prowess. Yet, as much as they were respected by their allies and enemies, they were unfairly dismissed as uncivilized, nomadic barbarians from beyond the cultured, settled Mediterranean world. Recent scholarship, however, has shown that there is far more evidence for the armour and equipment of the Numidians than hitherto assumed. Based on up-to-date findings including the decorative friezes of the stone ‘altars’ at Kbor Klib and Chimtou in North Africa, this book reveals that the Numidians also fielded infantry, slingers, archers, and even war elephants in conflicts across the Mediterranean, including Spain, Greece, northern Italy, and Thrace. All of these troops are brought to life in original colour artwork, complemented by chapters on their weapons and equipment, history, tactics, and organization.