Parthian Cataphracts, 28 mm Scale Model Plastic Figures

The Parthian Empire also known as the Arsacid Empire was a major Iranian political and cultural power in ancient Iran from 247 BC to 224 Its latter name comes from its founder, Arsaces I, who led the Parni tribe in conquering the region of Parthia in Iran's northeast, then a satrapy (province) under Andragoras, who was rebelling against the Seleucid Empire. Mithridates I (r. c. 171–132 BC) greatly expanded the empire by seizing Media and Mesopotamia from the Seleucids. At its height, the Parthian Empire stretched from the northern reaches of the Euphrates, in what is now central-eastern Turkey, to present-day Afghanistan and western Pakistan. The empire, located on the Silk Road trade route between the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Basin and the Han dynasty of China, became a center of trade and commerce.

The Parthian cataphract was a heavy cavalry unit of Parthian warfare, an entirely armored, huge fast horse mounted by a completely armored rider, equipped with a long lance and a long sword. Like a modern tank designed to smash through enemy defenses, the integrated tactical use of the cataphract was something the Parthians brought to a new level in battle.

Inside you will find parts to assemble 12 Parthian Cataphracts, making up to 6 bases of cavalry in the Swordpoint game system. These figures represent the famous heavily armoured Cataphracts of the Parthian Empire. They can also be used to represent similar troops fielded by the Armenian and Sassanid armies.