A Synopsis of the Battlefield Organization and Tactics of the Parthian Spad (army)

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Abstract

This article provides a synopsis of Parthian battlefield tactics of the Arsacid dynasty (c.247 BCE-224 CE) (coordinated Attacks by Asbārān armored lancers and horse archers, wedge, convex, crescent, rhombus, flanking, tactics for contrived withdrawals, and scorched earth tactics) and the weaponization of geography utilized by the Parthian spād (army), preceded by an overview of military organization, the role of cavalry forces, and auxiliary units. The article also examines Parthian tactics at the battle of Battle of Hormzdgān (224 CE) followed by an analysis of strategies devised by the Roman army against the Parthian Cavalry. In conclusion, the Parthian cavalry was an evolving force to impart its legacy upon the Asbārān cavalry corps pf the succeeding Sassanian dynasty (224-651 CE).