Cataphracts: Knights of the Ancient Eastern Empires (Hardcover)

Cataphracts were the most heavily armoured form of cavalry in the ancient world, with riders and mounts both clad in heavy armour. Originating among the wealthiest nobles of various central Asian steppe tribes, such as the Massegatae and Scythians, they were adopted and adapted by several major empires. The Achaemenid Persians, Seleucids, Sassanians and eventually the Romans and their Byzantine successors. Usually armed with long lances, they harnessed the mobility and mass of the horse to the durability and solid fighting power of the spear-armed phalanx. Although very expensive to equip and maintain (not least due to the need for a supply of suitable horses), they were potential battle winners and remained in use for many centuries. Erich B Anderson assesses the development, equipment, tactics and combat record of cataphracts (and the similar clibanarii), showing also how enemies sought to counter them. This is a valuable study of one of the most interesting weapon systems of the ancient world.

General

Imprint:	Pen & Sword Military
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	February 2017
Authors:	Erich B Anderson
Dimensions:	234 x 156 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	188
ISBN-13:	978-1-4738-3798-0
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Military history Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Land forces & warfare > General Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Weapons & equipment > General Books > History > History of specific subjects > Military history Books > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Promotions
LSN:	1-4738-3798-7
Barcode:	9781473837980

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