Greeks serving in Parthian army?

**AqD** · 10-07-2008, 02:21

Hi!

Can anyone tell me the historical source for Parthohellenikoi Thureophoroi? Any other greek infantry types in parthian army? And what about cavalry?

I asked in VV on twcenter but nobody can answer... and I can't find other details on internet either

**MeinPanzer** · 10-07-2008, 03:04

A major source is the large quantity figurines of thureophoroi that have been found from the Parthian levels of Seleucia on the Tigris and Babylon. A few other troop types are represented in the figurines found in the Parthian strata at these sites, but their ethnicity is ambiguous (as in the horsemen figurines wearing vaguely oriental clothing but carrying aspides).

**AqD** · 10-07-2008, 10:25

Thanks! Can you tell me more about the unit types they have there?

**paullus** · 10-08-2008, 01:40

unit types? the figurines show soldiers who like thureophoroi. the thureos was rather widely adopted in the hellenistic period, and while greeks wielding them seem to have fought in parthian armies, other non-greeks likely wielded that particular shield as well. the other "unit type" meinpanzer has noted is a shielded cavalryman with bits of Greek and eastern influences evident in his dress and equipment.

**AqD** · 10-08-2008, 02:30

Ummm... any on-line pics for them?

**MeinPanzer** · 10-08-2008, 18:11

Originally Posted by paullus

unit types? the figurines show soldiers who like thureophoroi. the thureos was rather widely adopted in the hellenistic period, and while greeks wielding them seem to have fought in parthian armies, other non-greeks likely wielded that particular shield as well.

Indeed, many of the thureophoroi figurines wear costume that is ethnically ambiguous. Some wear what are clearly Greek-style tunics, but others wear strange, "ragged" double-belted tunics (or kilts? It's hard to tell), while some have also been found that wear trousers and long-sleeved tunics. These figurines are often headless, and so their identities remain mysterious.

The only other troop types found are a single figurine that seems to show a cataphract and several very crude figurines which may depict hoplitai/peltastai/phalangitai from Seleucia. A headless figurine of a camel rider carrying an aspis and a sword has also been found, though it's crude and difficult to interpret.

**Barry Soteiro** · 10-08-2008, 19:59

Originally Posted by MeinPanzer

Indeed, many of the thureophoroi figurines wear costume that is ethnically ambiguous. Some wear what are clearly Greek-style tunics, but others wear strange, "ragged" double-belted tunics (or kilts? It's hard to tell), while some have also been found that wear trousers and long-sleeved tunics. These figurines are often headless, and so their identities remain mysterious.

The only other troop types found are a single figurine that seems to show a cataphract and several very crude figurines which may depict hoplitai/peltastai/phalangitai from Seleucia. A headless figurine of a camel rider carrying an aspis and a sword has also been found, though it's crude and difficult to interpret.

Would these units be included in EBII ?