scythian chariot with scythes on the wheels
(wikikids.nl)https://wikikids.nl/Bestand:The_charge_of_the_Persian_scythed_chariots_at_the_battle_of_Gaugamela_by_Andre_Castaigne_(1898-1899).jpgScythe Chariot
19th century impression drawing of Persian scythe chariots
The Scythe Chariot or scythe chariot was a chariot with scythe blades on each side. It was used in ancient times.
The scythe chariot was a modified chariot. The blades extended horizontally for about 1 meter on either side of the wheels. The Greek general Xenophon (430-354 BC), an eyewitness to the Battle of Cunaxa, tells of these chariots: "These had thin scythes extending at an angle from the axles and also under the driver's seat, facing the ground". Serrated bronze blades for chariot wheels have also been unearthed at pre-Imperial Chinese excavations in the Zhou period.
The scythed chariot is said to have been invented by the Indian king Ajatashatru (c. 500-460 BC). Later also used by the Persians, the chariot was drawn by a team of four horses and manned by a crew of up to three men, a charioteer (driver) and two warriors. It is a rather brutal weapon. In theory, the scythed chariot could plow through infantry lines (walking soldiers), cutting warriors in two or at least opening up gaps in the line that could be exploited. A disciplined army could scatter as the chariot approached, then quickly reform behind the chariot, allowing the chariot to pass without causing many casualties. Chariots had limited military utility. They were more of a defensive weapon and were best suited against infantry in open flat country where the charioteers had room to maneuver (move). At a time when cavalry had no stirrups and probably no spurs or an effective saddle, although they certainly had saddle blankets, scythed chariots added power to a cavalry charge against infantry. Historical sources come from the infantry side of such battles, that is, from the Greeks and Romans. How seriously this should be taken is not certain. There are few sources.
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