01-31-2013, 02:27 AM
Back to you, Michael
The Roxolani and all Alans/Massagetae/Saka (as far as I know) rode with both heavy and light cavalry. Archers were important in 2 situations.
1) For "softening" the enemy up at the beginning of a battle. Typical, too, of the Mongols.
2) For quick raids, in and out, upon an enemy encampment.
Interesting are the Rox tactics mentioned in the post above-- Tacitus (the earlier writer) describes heavy cavalry-cataphracts, while Strabo (the later writer)describes light cavalry, aka archers.
I imagine that Tomyris used both cataphracts and archers at the River Axartes against Cyrus. The Massagetae attacked the Persians, then retreated, drawing Cyrus' forces into a canyon. Once well into the canyon, the Massagetae turned around and decimated the Persian forces. (from Julius Frontinus) This battle raised Tomyris to one of the greatest ancient generals, albeit a woman.
Here is GOOD NEWS for those of us putting together a Sarmatian or Gothic impression. I have received the first shipment of Roxolani helmets. These are real spangenhelms, not pot helmets, and they are applicable for Rox in c.AD 100 and Gothic impressions up to the 5th century. A very versitile helmet. They have chainmail aventails. My next bunch will have scale aventails. Can't wait to see what they look like! When I get them all, I'll post photos in the New Products section.
Oh! About lassos. I checked out the 19th century painting of the Huns vs. the Alans on Wiki. More likely, the steppe lasso looked more like those still used in the American west... long and plaited, and a bit stiff. I think women were more the lassoers and archers, but we have a grave in the Lower Don of a female cataphract, complete with heavy armor, sword, and contus head. Wow! She must have been one mean lady! :woot:
The Roxolani and all Alans/Massagetae/Saka (as far as I know) rode with both heavy and light cavalry. Archers were important in 2 situations.
1) For "softening" the enemy up at the beginning of a battle. Typical, too, of the Mongols.
2) For quick raids, in and out, upon an enemy encampment.
Interesting are the Rox tactics mentioned in the post above-- Tacitus (the earlier writer) describes heavy cavalry-cataphracts, while Strabo (the later writer)describes light cavalry, aka archers.
I imagine that Tomyris used both cataphracts and archers at the River Axartes against Cyrus. The Massagetae attacked the Persians, then retreated, drawing Cyrus' forces into a canyon. Once well into the canyon, the Massagetae turned around and decimated the Persian forces. (from Julius Frontinus) This battle raised Tomyris to one of the greatest ancient generals, albeit a woman.
Here is GOOD NEWS for those of us putting together a Sarmatian or Gothic impression. I have received the first shipment of Roxolani helmets. These are real spangenhelms, not pot helmets, and they are applicable for Rox in c.AD 100 and Gothic impressions up to the 5th century. A very versitile helmet. They have chainmail aventails. My next bunch will have scale aventails. Can't wait to see what they look like! When I get them all, I'll post photos in the New Products section.
Oh! About lassos. I checked out the 19th century painting of the Huns vs. the Alans on Wiki. More likely, the steppe lasso looked more like those still used in the American west... long and plaited, and a bit stiff. I think women were more the lassoers and archers, but we have a grave in the Lower Don of a female cataphract, complete with heavy armor, sword, and contus head. Wow! She must have been one mean lady! :woot:
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb