[3] carrus, -ī [2/m]: wagon; vehicle for transportation of freight
As we continue to move through the topic of transport, you
will see that a mere dictionary definition – although sufficient for
translation purposes – does not always convey nuance of meaning, but it may be
determined when reading in context.
Its function is clearly indicated in this first quotation from
Caesar’s description of the Gauls’ preparations for a departure, iūmenta
referring to the animals that would pull the wagons:
auctōritāte Orgetorigis permōtī cōnstituērunt ea
quae ad proficīscendum pertinērent comparāre, iūmentōrum et carrōrum
quam maximum numerum coemere (Caesar)
- deeply moved by the authority of Orgetorix, they decided to prepare those things which pertained to setting out, [and] to buy up as great a number as possible of pack animals and wagons
The image of animals pulling cartloads of equipment generally
conveys slow movement. However, in the following extract, the wagons are able
to keep pace with troops that do not have heavy baggage:
magna enim multitūdō carrōrum etiam
expedītōs sequī Gallōs cōnsuēvit (Aulus Hirtius)
- For a large multitude of wagons was accustomed to follow the Gauls, even when they were lightly equipped.
Most noticeably, this description does not convey a slow
advance but one so deafening that it terrifies the Roman horses:
essedīs carrīsque superstāns armātus hostis ingentī sonitū
equōrum rotārumque advēnit et īnsolitōs eius tumultus Rōmānōrum conterruit
equōs (Livy)
- standing erect in chariots and wagons, armed enemies arrived with a mighty clattering of hoofs and wheels, frightening the horses of the Romans with the unfamiliar din.
In other words, unlike plaustrum and serrācum – both of which also refer to vehicles for freight transportation, but are not associated with any sense of ‘pace’ or speed – the carrus certainly appears to have had greater manoeuvrability.