How did the cavalry of the Roman Republic evolve from a secondary support unit into a decisive tactical force during the expansion of Roman power? Jeremiah B. McCall, a scholar of ancient military history, examines the structural, social, and tactical development of Roman mounted units. By analyzing primary sources and archaeological evidence, the author argues that the Roman cavalry was far more sophisticated and integral to Roman military success than traditional historiography suggests.

Historians and military scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the specific tactical limitations and strengths of the Roman Republic's mounted forces. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous examination of ancient military doctrine for serious students of the period.