The Parthian shot (or Parthian shaft) was a tactic employed by ancient Persian horse archers. The horsemen would feign retreat at full gallop, then suddenly turn their bodies around and fire an arrow at the pursuing enemy. Image File history File links Parthian_Shot. ... Reproduction of a Parthian warrior as depicted on Trajans Column The Parthian Empire was the dominating force on the Iranian plateau beginning in the late 3rd century BCE, and intermittently controlled Mesopotamia between ca 190 BCE and 224 CE. Origins Bust of Parthian soldier, Esgh-abad Museum, Turkmenia. ... Military tactics is the collective name for methods of engaging and defeating an enemy in battle. ... The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to a number of historic dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia (Iran). ...
This tactic was successfully used by the Parthians and other Iranian civilizations utilizing cavalry extensively to disrupt, harass, maim, and kill enemy forces, especially infantry. [[Image:LocationParthia. ... Italian cavalry officers practice their horsemanship in 1904 outside Rome. ...
A notable battle where this tactic as employed was the Battle of Carrhae. Combatants Roman Republic Parthia Commanders Marcus Licinius Crassus †Eran Spahbod Surena Strength 44,000-52,000 (28000 Roman legionary cohorts, 2000 Roman cavalrymen and 1000 Gallic cavalrymen) 10,000 (1000-1500 Heavy cavalry (Cataphracts) and 9000 archer cavalry) Casualties 4,000 wounded, 20,000 dead, 10,000 captured Minimal The...
Today the term "parting shot" has its origins in this tactic.
References
Surena See also: Sûrên Statue of Surena, 1st C. BCE Eran Spahbodh Rustaham Suren-Pahlav, son of Arakhsh (Arash, pers. ...
The Parthiantactic was that of harassing the enemy by the hit-and-run action, dividing his forces by pretending retreat and enticing pursuit but then turning unexpectedly back and showering the foe with deadly arrows, and, finally when he was reduced in number and courage, to surround him, and destroy him with volleys of missiles.
Middle: Parthian Cataphract, CE 3rd C. Bottom: Early Sasanian Cataphract, CE 3rd C. The organization of the Parthian army is not clear, and lacking a standing force, a strict and complicated organization was unnecessary in any case.
The largest army the Parthians organized was that brought against Mark Antony (50,000).
The Parthian kings -Arsaces I, Arsaces II, Phriapathus, Phraates I- recognized the Seleucid king as their superiors, especially after the campaign of Antiochus III the Great, who reconquered the lost eastern territories between 209 and 204.
The Parthian monarch was the ruler of his own empire plus some eighteen vassal kings, such as the rulers of the city state Hatra, the port Charax, and the ancient kingdom Armenia.
One of the Parthian leaders was named Gondophares, king of Taxila (pictures); according to an old and wide-spread Christian tradition, he was baptized by the apostle Thomas.
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