In 247 B.C., the warriors of the Parthian Empire were such skilled archers on horseback that even Rome couldn’t conquer them.
They had developed a saddle with a stirrup, which enabled them to turn and fire arrows while riding away at full gallop.
This incredible maneuver during a strategic retreat was known as the Parthian shot, which gave us the expression “a parting shot.”
The Parthian Empire included, in part, what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and most of Iraq and Iran.
They took over the region after conquering the Scythians, who had developed the magnificent breed of horse that was the key to the Parthians’ success.
While firing arrows, a rider could steady himself with the newly invented stirrups and then guide his mount with his legs.
