SASSANID LIGHT CAVALRY

An extract from The Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome
by Phil Barker & Ian Heath

129. SASSANID LIGHT CAVALRY

These were provided by subject and allied tribes living mainly to the north east. This man wears a longish swept-back coat and very baggy trousers, possibly quilted. Likely colours include all the natural shades of wool, browns, red-browns, red, yellow and almond green. Elaborate patterns are unlikely. The hat is leather or felt. His beard is cut square and curled, his complexion medium, his hair dark brown, black, or in the case of one particular tribe, light brown or blonde.

He carries a relatively weak bow shooting short cane arrows, a long straight sword, and one or more light javelins with triangular section heads similar to that which killed the Emperor Julian.

Next: 130, 131 & 132. SASSANID INFANTRY in Armies and Enemies of Ancient Rome by Phil Barker