In this original and revealing work, Jeremiah B. McCall challenges the generally accepted view of the Roman cavalry and explores the fundamental connections between war and society in republican Rome, c.300-100 BC.

In this original and revealing work, Jeremiah B. McCall challenges the generally accepted view of the Roman cavalry and explores the fundamental connections between war and society in republican Rome, c.300-100 BC. McCall describes the citizen cavalry's equipment, tactics, and motivation in battle, and argues for its effectiveness in the field. This success is proof that it cannot finally have been disbanded for purely military reasons; he shows that victories in the law-courts, and lavish displays of wealth, came to supersede cavalry service as a way of building the reputations of the Roman elite. The clear structure and fresh approach of the book, combining insights from both Roman military and social history, will be useful to readers at all levels of study.

'The first serious treatment of Republican cavalry since ... 1877 ... the book offers an alternative way into thinking about the big changes in Roman society in the last three centuries B.C. This engaging short work will be the first port of call for its subject.' - The Classical Review 'This book is a clearly written and important study of a neglected topic ... it makes a unique and valuable contribution to the military and social history of the Republic.' - Journal of Roman Studies