The rise of the cataphract in ancient Persia was a monumental investment in military technology. Each warrior and steed, encased in a glittering coat of scale armor, represented a significant portion of a states wealth and valuable property. This innovation was not a minor affair; the creation of a single cataphract unit was a major enterprise requiring immense finance and resources, a true symbol of luxury and power on the ancient battlefield. Their primary purpose was to achieve a decisive bre