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Horses of Ancient Rome: A Ride Through History

Last updated: October 18, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

While watching the movie Gladiator, I was captivated by the horses used in battle scenes. This sparked my curiosity about the horses of Ancient Rome. As an equestrian enthusiast, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the world of these magnificent creatures that played such a crucial role in Roman society.

My research led me to discover a variety of Roman horse breeds, each with its unique characteristics and purpose. What was interesting, though, was learning how these different breeds were explicitly chosen for their functions in various aspects of Roman society, including military, agriculture, and entertainment.

Join me as we explore the horses that galloped through the streets and battlefields of Ancient Rome, their various roles in Roman society, and the ingenious battle tactics they participated in. Together, we’ll gain insight into how these remarkable animals shaped history in one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen.

Chestnut barb horse walking in a pasture.
Barb Horse is one of the horse breeds used during the growth of the Roman Empire.

Ancient Horse Breeds of Rome

Ancient Roman horses were not distinct breeds as we know them today but originated from specific geographical areas. The Romans often referred to these horses based on their region of origin, which was usually associated with specific traits and characteristics. The main types of horses in Ancient Rome were the Hispania War Horses, Barb Horses, and Gaulish Horses.

Hispania War Horses

The Hispania war horses were a type of horse that originated from the Iberian Peninsula, which is now modern-day Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. They were a mix of local Iberian breeds and other horses brought in by the Romans and selectively bred to enhance their desirable traits for use in the Roman military.

The modern-day breeds that are believed to be related to the Hispania war horses include the Andalusian, the Lusitano, and the Sorraia. These breeds share many characteristics with the Hispania war horses, including their strong and sturdy build, muscular frame, and agility.

Hispania war horses were prized for their strength, stamina, and endurance, making them well-suited for Roman military use. They were medium-sized horses, typically standing between 14 and 15 hands tall, and were known for their powerful hindquarters and quick reflexes. They were used primarily as cavalry horses and in transportation and agricultural work.

Barb or Berber Horses

Berber or Barb horses are the same breed. The name “Barb” is derived from the Berber people who originally bred and raised these horses in North Africa. The breed is native to the region of North Africa known as Barbary, and they played a significant role in Ancient Rome.

Barb horses were known for their speed, agility, and adaptability to harsh environments, which made them ideal for scouting and light cavalry roles. The Romans highly valued Berber horses for their ability to navigate rough terrain and perform well in long-distance travel.

Barb horses were also well-suited for the desert conditions of North Africa, which were often encountered in Roman military campaigns. The Romans selectively bred these horses to enhance their desirable qualities, creating a distinct type of horse suited for Roman military conquests.

Barb horses were also used as chariot horses in Ancient Rome, particularly in racing events at the Circus Maximus. They were highly prized for their speed and endurance, making them ideal for racing competitions. In fact, chariot racing was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Ancient Rome, and the use of Berber horses played a significant role in its success.

Mosaic representing horses of ancient rome.
© Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons

Gaulish or Celtic Horses

Gaulish horses, also known as Celtic horses, originated from the regions of Gaul, which encompass modern-day France, Belgium, and parts of Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. They were smaller than other breeds, standing at around 13-14 hands tall, but they were known for their hardiness and adaptability to various terrains.

The Romans highly valued these horses due to their hardy nature and versatility, and they were used in various roles throughout the Roman Empire. In the military, Gaulish horses were used as cavalry and draft animals and were highly regarded for their stamina and ability to navigate rugged terrain.

They were used to transport troops and supplies, as well as in reconnaissance and scouting missions. Outside of the military, Gaulish horses were used extensively in agriculture, transportation, and even entertainment events such as chariot races.

Due to their muscular build and strong endurance, they were ideal for heavy labor tasks such as plowing fields and hauling goods. They were also used to transport people and goods throughout the empire and to construct roads and other infrastructure projects.

Picture of a Roman calvary helmet.
Roman Calvary Combat Helmet: Claire H., CC BY-SA 2.0

Roles of Horses in Ancient Roman Society

Horses were an integral part of Ancient Roman society, serving many purposes. Highly valued for their strength, stamina, and versatility, they played crucial roles in the military, agriculture, transportation, and entertainment. The Romans developed various types of horses perfectly suited for their specific tasks through selective breeding and expert training.

Horses of the Roman Army

In the military, horses were primarily used as cavalry, with the Hispania war horses and other breeds playing a significant role in Roman conquests. These horses were highly trained for battle, with soldiers riding them into the heat of battle. Horses were also used in chariot racing, a popular entertainment form in Ancient Rome. Teams of horses would pull chariots around a track, with the winner being the team that completed the race first.

Agriculture and Transportation

Horses were also used extensively in agriculture, transportation outside the military, and entertainment. Horses were commonly used for farm work, pulling plows and carts to help plant and harvest. They were also used for freight transport, pulling wagons filled with goods across long distances. For personal transportation, horses were used for riding, with well-bred horses being highly valued for their beauty and speed.

Sports and Entertainment

Finally, horses played a significant role in sports and entertainment in Ancient Rome. Horse racing was a popular event, with races at the Circus Maximus, the largest stadium in Rome. Horses were also used in circus games, where skilled riders would perform various tricks and stunts on horseback. In gladiator contests, horses were used to pull chariots carrying gladiators around the arena, adding to the excitement and spectacle of the event.

ancient rome horses edited

Battle Tactics Involving Horses

Horses were critical to Ancient Roman warfare, and cavalry units formed a significant part of the Roman army. Highly organized cavalry units consisted of both auxiliary and citizen cavalry. Roman military strategies involving horses included various tactics, such as skirmishing, shock, and combined arms tactics, to achieve success in battle.

The auxiliary cavalry consisted of non-Roman soldiers who were highly skilled riders and were used to support the Roman citizen cavalry in battle. These soldiers were granted Roman citizenship after serving several years in the military. The Roman citizen cavalry comprised Roman citizens wealthy enough to own horses and provide equipment.

The Romans employed various military strategies involving horses, including skirmishing tactics, shock tactics, and combined arms tactics. Skirmishing tactics involved sending small cavalry groups to harass and disrupt enemy formations, while shock tactics involved charging the enemy line with a larger cavalry group—combined arms tactics involved coordinating cavalry with other military units, such as infantry and archers.

Several notable battles in Ancient Rome highlighted horses’ critical role in warfare. The Battle of Cannae, for example, was a decisive battle in the Second Punic War, in which Hannibal of Carthage employed a double envelopment strategy, encircling and annihilating the Roman army. The Battle of Cannae is an example of the cavalry’s significant role in determining the outcome of a battle.

In the Battle of Zama, Roman cavalry, led by Scipio Africanus, played a crucial role in defeating Hannibal’s army. The Romans employed a combination of shock and skirmishing tactics, which helped them to gain the upper hand in the battle.

The Battle of Adrianople was a significant battle in which the Roman army suffered a crushing defeat against the Goths. This battle demonstrated the importance of horses in warfare, with the Roman cavalry playing a significant role in the initial stages of the battle.

The Romans organized their cavalry units in a highly structured manner, employing various military strategies involving horses to achieve success in battle. The role of horses in Ancient Roman warfare cannot be overstated, with notable battles such as Cannae, Zama, and Adrianople highlighting their importance in shaping history.

Picture of a domestic Arabian horse.
The Beduin Tribe domesticated Arabian horses.

Horse Domestication

The domestication of horses during Ancient Rome was a significant event in human history. It allowed humans to harness the strength and speed of these majestic animals for various purposes. It is believed that horses were first domesticated by nomadic tribes in Kazakhstan around 3500 BC. From there, the use of horses in transportation and warfare spread to other parts of the world.

In Ancient Rome, horses were selectively bred for specific purposes. The breeding process involved carefully choosing two horses with desirable traits to produce offspring with those same traits. This selective breeding resulted in various breeds of horses, each with unique physical characteristics and purposes.

The Romans used horses for transportation, farming, and warfare. Horses pulled plows and other agricultural equipment and transported goods and people. In warfare, horses were employed in cavalry units, providing speed, mobility, and power on the battlefield.

The domestication of horses during Ancient Rome revolutionized human society and paved the way for modern transportation, agriculture, and warfare. Without the domestication of horses, the development of these aspects of human society may have progressed much slower.

Conclusion: Horses of Ancient Rome

Horses of Ancient Rome were integral to the success of the Roman Empire. From their use in battle to transportation, agriculture, and entertainment, horses helped shape Roman society. Their successful use of cavalry units and military strategies involving horses contributed to the rise of the Roman Empire and the development of modern horse breeds.

Studying the horses of Ancient Rome provides a fascinating insight into the world of equestrianism in ancient times. Horses’ strength, beauty, and versatility were valued then as they are now, and their impact on history is undeniable. By examining the roles of horses in Ancient Rome, we gain a deeper appreciation for the human-animal bond and the historical significance of the horse.

Miles Henry

About the Author: Miles Henry

Miles Henry is a lifelong horseman with over 25 years of experience owning and training Thoroughbred racehorses. He shares expert insights from his personal experiences growing up with horses, including Quarter Horses and Appaloosas, and currently owns seven Thoroughbreds in training.

Learn more about Miles Henry