Velitum usus eo bello primum repertus est quo Capuam Fulvius Flaccus imperator obsedit: nam cum equitatus Campanorum crebris excursionibus equites nostri, quia numero pauciores erant, resistere non possent, Q. Navius centurio e peditibus lectos expediti corporis brevibus et incurvis septenis armatos hastis, parvo tegumine munitos, veloci saltu iungere se equitantibus et rursus celeri motu delabi instituit, quo facilius equestri proelio subiecti pedites viros pariter atque equos hostium telis incesserent, eaque novitas pugnae unicum Campanae perfidiae debilitavit auxilium, ideoque auctori eius Navio honos a duce est habitus.
The use of light-armed foot soldiers was first discovered in the war in which the general Fulvius Flaccus besieged Capua. Our horsemen were unable to resist the frequent sorties of the Campanian horse because they were fewer in number. So Q. Navius, Centurion, chose men of agile physique from the infantry, armed them each with seven short, curved lances and a small shield, and had them leap rapidly to join the riders and slip swiftly down again, so that as infantry put into a cavalry fight they might the more easily attack the enemy men and horses alike with their weapons. That tactical innovation weakened Campanian perfidys only support, and Navius its author was decorated by the general on account of it.
final_alignments\Valerius_Memorable_Book2.json