← Explore on the interactive map

Goryeo Cataphract Cavalry

Type Object Region Korean Peninsula Time 1161–1170

Goryeo cataphract cavalry (철갑기병) were elite troops with both horse and rider armored in iron, built around shock tactics.

Timeline

  1. 1161–1165Northern border of the Korean Peninsula · Korean PeninsulaFacing southward migration of Jurchen tribes and border clashes, Goryeo deployed cataphract cavalry on its northern defensive line as a mobile striking force; horse and rider both wore iron armor and carried lances and bows, using dense charges to overwhelm lightly armed enemies, forming the core assault unit of the frontier forces.
  2. 1166–1170Kaesong (Goryeo royal capital) · KoreaThe Goryeo royal capital guard included cataphract cavalry responsible for protecting the royal house, suppressing internal unrest, and ceremonial display; their equipment and training were costly, with members mostly drawn from the nobility and elite military households, making them a symbolic arm of Goryeo's military power in the 12th century.

Sources