03-29-2005, 07:42 PM
The pictures are helpful to show what the battle would have looked like.<br>
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I am not clear of the details on the battle concerning the retreat. I have always thought of Carrae as a set piece battle.<br>
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The following scenario has some appeal to me: The Parthians combined their cataphracts and horse archers together. This combined force rode directly up to the Roman lines, unhindered by any obstacle, the cataphracts forcing the Romans into a tight defensive position and the archers firing from behind the protection of the heavily armored cataphracts. The arrow fire was from almost point blank range, and piercing Roman shields and armor became a reality. If the Romans charged, the Parthians scampered away, then began the same thing all over again. This went on hour after hour with the Roman casualties piling up. Also, the horse archers could operate independently from time to time, racing up to the Roman line, loosing a shot at close range, the turning and running off, resulting in more Roman casualties. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I am not clear of the details on the battle concerning the retreat. I have always thought of Carrae as a set piece battle.<br>
<br>
The following scenario has some appeal to me: The Parthians combined their cataphracts and horse archers together. This combined force rode directly up to the Roman lines, unhindered by any obstacle, the cataphracts forcing the Romans into a tight defensive position and the archers firing from behind the protection of the heavily armored cataphracts. The arrow fire was from almost point blank range, and piercing Roman shields and armor became a reality. If the Romans charged, the Parthians scampered away, then began the same thing all over again. This went on hour after hour with the Roman casualties piling up. Also, the horse archers could operate independently from time to time, racing up to the Roman line, loosing a shot at close range, the turning and running off, resulting in more Roman casualties. <p></p><i></i>
"In war as in loving, you must always keep shoving." George S. Patton, Jr.
