Japanese Archer Seated On a Horse, Hand Carved, Lots Of Detail.

Japanese Archer Seated On a Horse Turning His Body Back In Full Gallop, Positioning Himself To Shoot At The Pursuing Enemy. Hand Carved, Lots Of Detail.

The Parthian shot is a light horse military tactic made famous in the West by the Parthians, an ancient Iranian people. While in real or feigned retreat their horse archers would turn their bodies back in full gallop to shoot at the pursuing enemy. The manoeuvre required superb equestrian skills since the rider's hands were occupied by his composite bow. As the stirrup had not been invented at the time of the Parthians, the rider relied solely on pressure from his legs to guide his horse.

In addition to the Parthians, this tactic was used by most Nomads of the Eurasian Steppe including the Scythians, Huns, Turks, Magyars, and Mongols, as well as armies from elsewhere such as the Sassanid, Clibanarii and Cataphracts.

The Parthians used the tactic to great effect in their victory over the Roman general Crassus in the Battle of Carrhae.

The tactic was also used by Muslim conqueror Muhammad of Ghor in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 against Indian elephants and heavy infantry, by Alp Arslan in the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 against the Byzantines, and by Subutai in the Battle of Legnica in 1241 against Polish Knights.

Item Code -WOO2D488HAB

Width: 4"  Height: 7 7/8"  Depth: 2 3/8"  Weight: 269 g