Roman Auxiliary Cavalry
Though Hadrian’s Wall was built by Legionaries, it was manned by Auxiliaries. These included cavalry and all types of light infantry.
Auxillia were originally formed from frontier populations to fight in their homelands, using their local knowledge. However, following such events as the Revolt of the Batavi in AD 69, they were relocated to other parts of the Empire. Consequently, Hadrian’s Wall found itself garrisoned by Batavian and Tungrian Cohorts.
With the formalisation of units came the standardisation of equipment. Though some auxiliaries wore no armour, those who did wore either mail or scale armour, while the helmets were usually cheap versions of the current legionary type. The weapons of the infantry were usually a sword, similar to the legionary gladius, and a short spear.
Roman Auxiliary Cavalry
Though Hadrian’s Wall was built by Legionaries, it was manned by Auxiliaries. These included cavalry and all types of light infantry.
Auxillia were originally formed from frontier populations to fight in their homelands, using their local knowledge. However, following such events as the Revolt of the Batavi in AD 69, they were relocated to other parts of the Empire. Consequently, Hadrian’s Wall found itself garrisoned by Batavian and Tungrian Cohorts.
With the formalisation of units came the standardisation of equipment. Though some auxiliaries wore no armour, those who did wore either mail or scale armour, while the helmets were usually cheap versions of the current legionary type. The weapons of the infantry were usually a sword, similar to the legionary gladius, and a short spear.