CATAPHRACTS: Knights of the Ancient Eastern Empires

2-213690

Assesses cataphracts, heavily armored cavalry central to ancient warfare that combined mobility with powerful combat tactics across empires -- the development, equipment, tactics and combat record, showing also how enemies sought to counter them. Details how they originated and then were adopted and adapted by several major empires: the Achaemenid Persians, Seleucids, Sassanians, and eventually the Romans and their Byzantine successors. Analyzes their fighting styles and high weapon upkeep, despite being used for several centuries. Contains 16 illustrations.