Cataphracts

By Erich B. Anderson,

Book cover of Cataphracts: Knights of the Ancient Eastern Empires

Book description

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Cataphracts as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The armies of ancient Parthia were mostly composed of two troop types: horse archers and cataphracts. This title explores the development of the latter horsemen, which in fact predated Parthia but were particularly effective in Parthian service. So much so that they were adopted by the Romans in the second century AD as they sought to defend the borders of their threatened empire.

Want books like Cataphracts?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 19 books like Cataphracts.

Browse books like Cataphracts

Book cover of Defeat of Rome in the East: Crassus, the Parthians, and the Disastrous Battle of Carrhae, 53 BC
Book cover of The Parthians: The Forgotten Empire
Book cover of Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Parthian Empire, the Achaemenid Empire, and the Scythians?

The Scythians 6 books