Alternative Reconstruction of a First Century AD Roman Cavalry Saddle

Abstract

The reconstruction of a First Century AD Roman cavalry saddle has not been investigated since Peter Connolly introduced his ideas of a wooden tree saddle in 1984, based on the evidence and dimensions provided by archaeological finds of leather saddle covers and bronze saddle horn reinforcers. This alternative reconstruction, not using wood, was designed to address the written and practical evidence for the lack of rider stability in Connolly’s (1986) reconstructed saddle. Supported by the lack of archaeological evidence for a wooden tree, this reconstruction demonstrated that a design of straw and lanolin-rich fleece provided a viable alternative for the stability of the rider on a mechanical horse. The need for the bronze “stiffeners” for the horns of the saddle were found to be required for the necessary rigidity of the saddle construction to support the rider without compromising the comfort for both horse and rider.

Keywords

• horse
• roman era
• united kingdom
• (re)construction