Chariots and Horseback Riding
by Lauren Blumenfeld
In all ancient civilizations, the chariot was mainly used in battle.
In Mesopotamia, chariots were invented after the invention of the wheel. Around 3000 BCE the earliest chariots were used. The chariots had either two or four wheels and had a rounded front to protect the people in it. Around 1900 BCE, chariots with spoked wheels were in use. When the Sumerians first invented the chariot, they used donkeys to pull it. They created a harness that went around the donkey's back and then reached its nose. Later, horses were used. This harness was connected to reins in order for steering of the chariot. The chariot was used in battle frequently. Usually two men would be in it; one steering it and the other killing enemies.
In Mesopotamia, chariots were invented after the invention of the wheel. Around 3000 BCE the earliest chariots were used. The chariots had either two or four wheels and had a rounded front to protect the people in it. Around 1900 BCE, chariots with spoked wheels were in use. When the Sumerians first invented the chariot, they used donkeys to pull it. They created a harness that went around the donkey's back and then reached its nose. Later, horses were used. This harness was connected to reins in order for steering of the chariot. The chariot was used in battle frequently. Usually two men would be in it; one steering it and the other killing enemies.
In the ancient Chinese River Valley civilization along the Hwang He (Yellow River) chariots were drawn by horses. With the chariot, the Shang Dynasty was able to win battles and control most of China. During the Shang Dynasty, chariots were also used as status symbols. The wealthy would have ornamented chariots, often decorated with bronze. When the wealthy would die, their chariot would be buried along side them. The chariot would provide the dead with a means of transportation in the afterlife. Wood used to build the chariots was carefully picked out and measured to make sure of a stable chariot.
The Battle of Kadesh in 1275 BCE was a battle based off chariots. Evidence shows around five thousand chariots were used. This battle between the Egyptians and Hitties consisted of constant attacks of thousands of chariots.
In about 1000 BCE, Assyrians introduced cavalry. The troops rode bareback because the saddle had not yet been invented. Two people were usually on a horse; one person steering, the other with a shield and weapons. Since cavalry could be used on unsteady ground, it became a more common tactic over chariots around 600 BCE.