The tactical development of Achaemenid cavalry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/gladius.2006.1Keywords:
Achaemenid Persian Cavalry, Tactics, WeaponsAbstract
In the 6th and first half of the 5th century BC, Persian horsemen were armed with bows and javelins, and fought as a light cavalry. In the second half of the 5th century in the western regions of the Persian empire there was an increase in heavily-armoured cavalry, armed with the spears (palta) for thrusting and throwing. I propose that this evolution is connected with the long wars against the Greeks and the deterioration of the morale quality of Persian warriors. The attempt of the last Persian king Darius III to re-arm his horsemen with lances to fight the Macedonian Companions did not succeed in saving the Achaemenid empire from collapse.
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