Cataphracts

[Patrick Waterson]

We don't know that the Seleucids adopted the cataphract from the Parthians, as opposed to from the Graeco-Bactrians (cf the Ai Khanum armoury) or from the Saka or by independent invention; in fact we don't even really know that the Parthians were using cataphracts as early as 200 BC, though the odds must be that they were. Nor do we even have enough evidence for Seleucid cataphracts to be certain that they didn't have bows themselves. So any answer to this question is really more speculative than the evidence allows, in my opinion. But my own take on the most plausible scenario would be that you can stick Graeco-Macedonian and Median xystophoroi into heavier armour far more easily than you can train them to be horse-archers, and the bow was simply not required in their tactical role (which might indeed be why some Parthian cataphracts may not have thought it worth carrying, despite the treason to their nomadic Saka heritage).

That seems eminently reasonable, and I would be content for it to be the last word in the matter given our present state - or lack - of knowledge.

[valentinianvictor]

I created a thread on RAT several years ago which may prove of some use in this necromantically raised thread!

http://www.romanarmytalk.com/17-roman-military-history-a-archaeology/278996-the-arms-equipment-and-impact-of-late-roman-clibanarii.html?limitstart=0&start=75