The Aswārān (singular aswār), also spelled Asbārān and Savaran, was a cavalry force that formed the backbone of the army of the Sasanian Empire. They were provided by the aristocracy, were heavily armored, and ranged from archers to cataphracts. The word comes from the Old Persian word asabāra (from asa- and bar, a frequently used Achaemenid military technical term). The aswaran were primarily composed of Iranian aristocrats from the wuzurgan and the azadan, with members of the staff being from the former. After the reforms of Khosraw I, warriors from the dehqan class would also be enlisted. The aswaran wore chainmail armor, and ranged from archers to cataphracts. They assumed a description with the bravery, tactics, and ethics of the Sasanians. They mastered in single combat in battles (mard o-mard), rode on elephants and horses, and their valor was recognized with ornamental emblems. The asbaran cavalry was armed with The traditional heavy cavalry weapons, such as maces, lances, and swords would have been used, as well as a variety of other weapons, such as axes. Each asbaran unit would have a Drafsh, or heraldric standard. These would have often included legendary creatures and animals. These animals would have included elephants, horses, bears, lions, deer (ahu); these would also include Zoroastrian mythological creatures such as Bashkuch and the army of asbaran would have the Derafsh Kaviani as their banner. (Credit: Aswaran , Wikipedia) [Image 1. Asbaran cavalryman bearing a banner of Homa (History book of --Sale Dovvome Rahnamai-, p. 30, 1976 2. Equestrian statue of Khosrow II (r. 590–628) wearing the same armor used by the Asbaran. 3. Tabriz Sasanian Plate 4. Historical re-enactment of an Asbaran Cataphract]
Iranian Civilization
