After the battle of Carrhae. 53 BC

cover Breaking War N 12

Surena at Carrhae. Suren family were the grandees of the Sakastan, most probably of Saka origin. The equipmnent shown on the picture comes from the Eastern part of empire and includes the kit from Indo-Saka material. Suren wears the red kaftan reserved for the warrior class decorated with numerous golden appliques and a golden belt. He is wearing white diadem which is a royal symbol but he is the chieftain of the Saka. Also his klevets/najak marks his commanding status. To his thighs he has attached the daggers furnished with gold. He is riding on the saddle with bows instead of the horned variety. These saddles developed in the East from the soft saddles.The cataphract is based on the Indo-Saka coins.

He wears long suit of armor made of square and rectangular bronze plates, the helmet being a variation of so-called "Kuban" type  and laminated arm protection. His horse is barded as per Khalczayan friezes.Horse archer kneeling in from of surena wears simple kaftan and trousers. One might expect red clothes for poorer warriors as well however Old Nisa frescoes clearly proves that white was in military use as well even thogh it was a priestly color. Naturally one cannot exclude that Old Nisa depicts some mythical or spiritual warafre however horsemen there are shown in white caftans.He has a "hunnic" bow which allowed farther reach and bgger impact. Additionally he has a long sword, idea brought from the East and a dagger in the bow/arrow case.


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