As Callinicum showed, full-scale field battles were risky and the Romans tried to avoid them, even when they outnumbered the enemy. Skirmishes were thus common as the Romans tried to restrict the ability of the enemy to gather forage and intelligence. This would also wear down the enemy and sap their morale and initiative. Roman cavalry, many of whom had bows, were well-suited for this. In late 553, 300 mounted bodyguard troops led by Narses attacked a foraging force of 2,000 Frankish cavalry and infantry at Ariminum. When attacked, the Franks formed a dense formation that was resistant to the Roman arrows. The Romans then carried out a feigned retreat, which broke up the Frankish formation, and then proceeded to cause heavy casualties on the scattered Franks (Agathias 1.21-22). These actions required aggression and confidence, but allowed small numbers of Romans to dominate large forces. Thus Dabregezas and Usigardus with 600 cavalry met 3,000 Persian cavalry in Lazica in 555. Their immediate response was to attack, despite being outnumbered by six to one (Agathias 3.7.1-5). Similar aggressive maneuvers with horse archers were employed by Belisarius at the siege of Rome in 537 (Procopius, Bella
5.27.4- 14) and at Constantinople in 559 against the Kutrigurs. Such aggressiveness appears normal. At Tzachar in the Caucasus in 556, a group of 40 Roman cavalry was attacked by a mixed force of 600 Misimians. Instead of evading, they occupied high ground and engaged the enemy until the main force arrived (Agathias
4.16.5- 7). However, such operations were limited to open country, and in wooded or mountainous areas, in particular at passes and water crossings, infantry were used (Mauricius, Strat. 9.4). Surprise in these actions could be critical, and the Strategihon was concerned to keep polished armor and weapons covered before a clash (Mauricius, Strat. 7.B.15).
World History
