Sassanid cataphracts

Sassanid cataphracts were heavily armored cavalry units used by the Sassanid Empire (224–651 AD), a Persian empire that existed in ancient Iran. These soldiers were known for their full-body armor, which provided them with excellent protection in battle. They typically rode powerful horses and were equipped with a variety of weapons, such as lances and bows. The cataphracts played a crucial role in warfare, utilizing their mobility and armor to charge enemy formations and disrupt infantry lines, making them a key component of the Sassanid military strategy against rivals like the Roman Empire.