Armed with a small axe and a clutch of javelins, these light cavalrymen were expert at attacking enemy skirmishers.
Description
The Getai Light Cavalry relied upon ambush and hit-and-run tactics, and served as foragers and scouts. Carrying a bundle of javelins into battle, these cavalrymen relied upon a small axe when forced to engage in close fighting. These men are only protected by a simple shield, but being fast moving on sturdy horses, they were expert at attacking enemy skirmishers.
The shields of the getai Light Cavalry were highly decorated with symbols of the sun, stars, the moon or floral decorations. Describing these cavalrymen, Ovidius used epithets like "rapidus" and "celer".
