CHARIOTS EXAMPLES
CHARIOTS 1
Reconstruction - Chariot
Period of Assurnasirpal II (883 - 859 BC)
The chariot design illustrated in this reconstruction is characteristic of those serving with the armies of Assurnasirpal II (883 - 859 BC) and Shalmaneser III (858 - 824 BC). They are frequently shown with three horses, where the third horse would appear to be an outrigger and not attached by harness to the main chariot pole. It is possible, however, that they were in fact three-horse chariots, and at least one authority has argued that even at this early period each chariot was drawn by four horses. In this particular case, the chariot has only two horses minus the outrigger as indicated in the visual sources.
The bronze scale sariam worn by the archer was adapted from the Hurrian Kingdom of Mitanni. His head is protected by a conical bronze helmet of Assyrian design. His principle weapon is the compound bow, the arrows for which are carried in the quivers attached to the side of the chariot's cab. Note that the quivers also hold axes. Additionally, there is a spear affixed to the rear of the chariot. The driver is unarmed. Accompanying the chariot are a spearman and archer.
CHARIOTS 2
Line drawing
from bas-relief at Nimrud
after Layard
Assyrian chariot
reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (745 - 727 BC)
As part of his wide-ranging military reforms, Tiglath-Pileser III added a third crew member to the chariot to shield the driver and archer. The elliptical panel above the horse's back was probably a strengthening rod covered by decorative material. It may have also served to divide the reins.
CHARIOTS 3
Relief from Sennacherib's Palace
Renovated by Ashurbanipal (668 - 627 BC), Nineveh
detail
Ashurbanipal's conquest of Elam
British Musem, London
Assyrian chariots stand down after the battle of the Ulai River (653 BC). Note both the enormous wheels of the chariots, designed to carry the additional weight of an enlarged cab and the crew of four.
Immediately underneath the representation of the Assyrian chariot at the top of relief can be seen a captured Elamite chariot with its twelve-spoked wheel.
CHARIOTS 4
Reconstruction - Heavy chariot
reign of Ashurbanipal (668 - 627 BC)
In this reconstruction, we can observe the final appearance of an Assyrian chariot. It carries a crew of four - archer, driver, and two shield bearers - and is pulled by four horses. The size and weight of the vehicle precluded its use in hilly or broken terrain. The horses are now fully covered with fabric armor, giving protection when closing on an enemy formation. Note how the quivers are now positioned upright, on the front corners of the cab. This design continued in use with the Neo-Babylonian Empire that succeeded Assyria as the dominant military power in Mesopotamia.
