Heavy cavalry
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Heavy cavalry was a class of cavalry intended to deliver a battlefield charge and also to act as a tactical reserve; they are also often termed shock cavalry. Although their equipment differed greatly
Ottoman Sipahi heavy cavalry, c. 1550
Early 16th-century French gendarmes, with complete plate armour and heavy lances
Spanish Heavy Cavalry – Royal Armoury of Madrid, Spain
The oldest known relief of a heavily armoured cavalryman, from the Sasanian Empire, at Taq-i Bostan, near Kermanshah, Iran (7th century)
Cataphract
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A cataphract was a form of armoured heavy cavalry that originated in Central Asia and was fielded in ancient warfare throughout Eurasia and Northern Africa.
Heavy cavalry
…patrolling, and tactical communications. Iranian tribes such as the Massagetae were believed to be the originator of the class of heavy cavalry known as cataphract. During the time of Achaemenid Persia cavalry was the elite arm of service (as was the case in most civilizations), and many Persian horsemen such as…
Historical reenactment of a Sasanian-era cataphract, complete with a full set of scale armour for the horse. The rider is covered by extensive mail armour.
Close combat between soldiers in cataphract. Orlat plaques, 1st century BC.
Saka/Kangju cataphract armour with neck-guard. 1st century BC. Khalchayan. Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, nb 40.
Sculpture of a Sasanian cataphract in Taq-e Bostan, Iran, 4th century AD.