09-24-2005, 08:20 AM
Quote:I would like to hear the learned opinions of people in this forum, could a development of cataphracts be traced, from earliest mention/data available to medieval times? Changing tactics, equipment, in different regions/periods.Wow, that would be a big study. But try Mielczarek, Mariusz (1993): Cataphracti and Clibanarii, Studies on the Heavy Armoured Cavalry of the Ancient World, Oficyna Naukawa, Lódz. That should get you started.
I agree that armoured cavalry was not just armoured horse archers, but rather armoured spear platforms. Horse archers did not need armopur that much as they could rely on speed and distance. I believe that Roman armored horse archers were developed when the Romans developed missile defences against all sorts of cavalry.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
