Editing Scythed chariot (section)

===Persian wars===

{{More citations needed section|date=March 2021}}

The scythed chariot was pulled by a team of four [[horse]]s and manned by a crew of up to three men, one driver and two warriors.  Theoretically the scythed chariot would plow through [[infantry]] lines, cutting combatants in half or at least opening gaps in the line which could be exploited. It was difficult to get horses to charge into the tight [[phalanx formation]] of the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[hoplite]]s (infantry). The scythed chariot avoided this inherent problem for cavalry by using the scythe 
to cut into the formation even when the horses avoided the men. A disciplined army could diverge as the chariot approached, and then re-form quickly behind it, allowing the chariot to pass without causing many casualties. War chariots had limited military capabilities. They were strictly an offensive weapon and were best suited against infantry in open flat country where the charioteers had room to maneuver. At a time when [[cavalry]] were without [[stirrup]]s, and probably had neither [[spur]]s nor an effective [[saddle]], though they certainly had saddle blankets, scythed chariots added weight to a cavalry attack on infantry. Historical sources come from the infantry side of such engagements i.e. the Greek and Roman side. Here is one recorded encounter where scythed chariots were on the winning side:
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The soldiers had got into the habit of collecting their supplies carelessly and without taking precautions. There was one occasion when [[Pharnabazus (5th century BC)|Pharnabazus]], with 2 scythed chariots and about 400 cavalry, came on them when they were scattered all over the plain. When the Greeks saw him bearing down on them, they ran to join up with each other, about 700 altogether; but Pharnabazus did not waste time. Putting the chariots in front, and following behind them himself with the cavalry, he ordered a charge. The chariots dashing into the Greek ranks, broke up their close formation, and the cavalry soon cut down about a hundred men. The rest fled and took refuge with [[Agesilaus]], who happened to be close at hand with the hoplites.<ref>Xenophon, ''Hellenica'' IV,1,17-19.</ref>
</blockquote>

The only other recorded example of their successful use seems to be when units of [[Mithradates VI of Pontus]] defeated a [[Bithynia]]n force on the [[Battle of the River Amnias|River Amnias]] in 89 BC. (Appian)