Runners

It is assumed that the runner was used for support and would dismount the chariot. Assuming that the runners were used in a support capacity to the chariots it can be further assumed that with large numbers of chariots being used that an entire line of runners would arise as if from nowhere when they were dropped off. This similar to later equitata.

Runner’s Arms

These men might be simply armed as skirmishers, with javelins, slings or even bows. Perhaps they also carried a spear of some length too.

Runner’s Act As

The runners may have acted in a number of ways. They may have acted much like Squires as seen in the middle Ages; who formed a second line and performed much like their knightly masters using extra weapons, these though would be on foot. In this capacity they might rush forward to protect their mounted superiors.

It is more likely the runners formed as a support unit. The squadrons reserve line, the runner, would provide a line of infantry behind which the chariots could fall back behind to regroup and rally.

It may also be possible that these runners were carried on the chariots when the army needed to move quickly and with some stealth. By stealth. How could large numbers of chariots move stealthy? Certainly chariots make some if not a lot of noise. The stealth rests in the assumed the ability to drop off at least one man for each chariot in a unit.