Cataphract: Did you mean...?

The Parthian cataphract was a heavy cavalry unit of Parthian warfare, an entirely armored, huge fast horse mounted by a completely armored rider, equipped with a long lance and a long sword. Like a modern tank designed to smash through enemy...

A visualization of a Parthian cataphract (from the Greek word kataphraktos - fully armored) in action against the Roman military formation. Artist: Simeon Netchev Research, analysis, and inspiration: Patrick Scott Smith, M. A.

Sassanian cataphract, Taq-e Bostan relief, Iran, 4th century CE.

Baked clay perforated plaque showing a heavily armoured horseman (cataphract) wearing scale or lamellar armour and a "coal skuttle" helmet, spearing a lion. 3rd century BCE - 2nd century CE British Museum

Historical reenactment of a Sassanian-era cataphract, complete with a full set of scale armor for the horse.

Parthian warfare was characterized by the extensive use of cavalry and archers. Coming at enemy troops from all directions Parthian riders created confusion and wreaked havoc. They even developed the famous “Parthian shot.” Able to shoot...

The Roman army consisted of three separate divisions: the famed legions, the cavalry, and lastly, the auxiliaries. The auxiliaries (auxilia) were comprised of infantry cohorts, mounted infantry, and cavalry units or wings (alae). Although...

The use of cavalry in Chinese warfare was a significant development which was largely responsible for the abandonment of chariots, that vehicle being much slower and more cumbersome to manoeuvre in battle conditions. The greater speed and...

Stretching between China and India in the east to the Mediterranean in the west, Parthia ruled over one of the widest expanses of empire in its time and Parthian culture flourished for 500 years (247 BCE to 224 CE). While known for their...

Ancient Persian culture contributed many of the aspects of the modern world which people take for granted as having always existed. The designation “Persia” comes from the Greeks – primarily from the historian Herodotus – but the people of...