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Parthian Shot

Type Object Region Near East Time c. 1–500

The Parthian shot is a mounted archery tactic in which Parthian cavalry turn to shoot backward while feigning retreat, devastating pursuers with rapi…

Timeline

  1. c. 1–224Mesopotamia · MesopotamiaThe Parthian Empire centered on noble cavalry, combining light horse archers feigning retreat and turning to shoot with heavy charges, forming an effective counter to Roman legions.
  2. c. 224–350Ctesiphon · CtesiphonAfter its founding, the Sasanian Empire inherited the Parthian mounted archery tradition; heavy cavalry also practiced the Parthian shot, wearing down Roman forces with mobile shooting in battles such as Edessa.
  3. c. 350–500Iranian Plateau · Iranian PlateauFifth-century Sasanian cavalry still maintained mounted archery and Parthian shot training, continually demonstrating mobile shooting advantages in wars against Eastern Rome and the Hephthalites.

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