The Cataphract A Formidable Warrior Of Ancient And Medieval Times The cataphract was one of the most iconic warriors of ancient and medieval times. these heavily armored cavalrymen were used by various armies throughout history, from the persians to the byzantines, and were known for their formidable defensive capabilities and devastating charges. in this article, we will explore the history of the cataphract. Origins of the cataphract. the word ‘cataphract’ has its origins in the greek language, and is said to mean ‘fully armored’ or ‘closed from all sides’. the cataphract, however, was not a greek ‘product’, and was only adopted by the armies of the seleucid empire sometime during the 4th century b.c., after they went on military.
Cataphract Everything You Need To Know With Photos Videos A cataphract was a form of armored heavy cavalry that originated in persia and was fielded in ancient warfare throughout eurasia and northern africa. historically, the cataphract was a very heavily armored horseman, with both the rider and mount almost completely covered in scale armor or lamellar armour over chain mail , and typically wielding a kontos ( lance ) as his primary weapon. The cataphract is a latecomer to the hellenistic battle line. cavalry of this type, where both horse and rider were covered as completely as possible in armour, developed first among the iranian peoples. antiochus iii seems to have been the first hellenistic monarch to employ cataphracts. they would be a significant military development later. The first cataphracts i. the most complete depiction of the arms and armour of the seleucid cataphract is located on the balustrade reliefs of the temple of athena polias nikephoros at pergamum. one of the most impressive features shown among the armament is a metal mask with an incredibly detailed face, including a sculpted beard that was. Sassanid zhayedan. a mounted form of the old persian "immortals", which numbered 10,000 at all times, with reserves. they were anothr form of cataphract, with the rider particularly well protected, including a steel breastplate. they were efficient with a variety of weapons, cane bow, mace, axe, sword, javelins and pike.
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