Persian archer equipment

[Sean Manning]

I can only give academic advice, unfortunately. The way the arrows in a Scythian gorytos point backwards looks strange to me, but I'm no archer.

Hi!

The Achaemenid Persians actually didn't use composite bows like those - apart from Scythian mercenaries. They used simple short bows, with small recurved siyahs. If you're looking for one, it might be easier to make it yourself of get one made, I can't find similar bows for sale anywhere. I'd also steer well clear of Kult of Athena - I've heard bad things about their weapons.

Try a Parthian design for the gorytos - like a modern hip quiver, but with a bow compartment as well. I've just ordered one from Jordan Harmond at http://www.tophandleather.netfirms.com/index.htm if you're interested. I'm not entirely sure how the backwards facing one worked either - but if you rotate it round your hip 180 degrees it faces the right way.

Hope this helps!

There are a good number of pictures of Persian troops using the Scythian type of bow. For example, Darius III's charioteer on the Alexander Mosaic holds one. I think you're referring to the other style of Persian bow which is associated with “Persian dress” of robes and a cap (although some Persians in robes use Scythian bows). Darius I's bow-bearer holds one in the Behistun relief. Archers in robes (with either style of bow) normally wear shoulder quivers like the guards on the glazed brick reliefs from Susa.