Carpentum

“A cart; also a two-wheeled carriage enclosed, and with an arched or sloping cover overhead. The carpentum was used to convey the Roman matrons in the public festal processions; and, as this was a high distinction, the privilege of riding in a carpentum on such occasions was allowed to particular females by special grant of the senate. This carriage contained seats for two, and sometimes for three persons, besides the coachman. It was commonly drawn by a pair of mules, but more rarely by oxen or horses, and sometimes by four horses like a quadriga. Carpenta, or covered carts, were much used by the Britons, the Gauls, and other northern nations. These, together with the carts of the more common form, including baggage waggons, appear to have been comprehended under the term carri, or carra, which is the Celtic name with a Latin termination. The Guals took a great multitude of them on their military expeditions, and when they were uncamped, arranged them in close oder, so as to form extensive lines of circumvallation.” — Smith, 1873

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