The
Parthian shot was a
military tactic made famous by the
Parthians, an ancient
Iranian people. The Parthian
archers mounted on
light horse, while
retreating at a full
gallop, would turn their bodies back to shoot at the pursuing enemy. The maneuver required superb
equestrian skills, since the rider's hands were occupied by his
bow. As the
stirrup had not been invented at the time of the Parthians, the rider relied solely on pressure from his legs to guide his horse. The tactic also could be used during feigned retreat, with devastating effect.