Комплекс вооружения раннесакского времени Притяньшанья / Weapons сomplex of the Early Saka period in Tien Shan region (original) (raw)

The article is devoted to the weapons complex of the ancient nomads of Tien Shan region in Early Saka period (VIII — early half of VI centuries BC). Distance weapon presented by the bows of typical "Scythian" type played an important role in it. The quiver sets of this period were represented by bronze arrowheads of different types. The general percentage of them was light, shaped to defeat the enemy without defensive armor. Melee weapons were represented by a wider variety of means: short swords, daggers, spears and javelins, celt-axes and maces. Its composition suggests that the ancient population of Tien Shan region fought both on horseback and on foot. However, in the course of development of melee weapons, some arms typical for infantry disappeared by the end of the Early Saka period. This suggests to the 52 evolution of warfare in the direction of the predominance of cavalry. Defensive armament in this period is represented poorly. There are known some finds of bronze helmets of the "Kuban" type, which were widespread on the territories from Northern China to Caucasus and North Pontic regions. Also, the ancient nomadic population of Tien Shan regions must have used the armor made from soft organic materials and light shields. Generally during the Early Saka period in Tien Shan region there was a gradual evolution of complex weapons in the direction of its adaptation to the needs of the cavalry and disappearance of arms typical for infantry except daggers, which were a universal weapon suitable for different usage.