[51] Since the alteration of manners and government, the most wealthy of the equestrian order were engaged in the administration of justice, and of the revenue; [52] and whenever they embraced the profession of arms, they were immediately intrusted with a troop of horse, or a cohort of foot.

[53] Trajan and Hadrian formed their cavalry from the same provinces, and the same class of their subjects, which recruited the ranks of the legion.

The horses were bred, for the most part, in Spain or Cappadocia.

The Roman troopers despised the complete armor with which the cavalry of the East was encumbered.

Their more useful arms consisted in a helmet, an oblong shield, light boots, and a coat of mail.