Cataphract

Imagine a big, strong knight riding on a horse that's also wearing armor, just like the knight! That's what a cataphract is! The knight and the horse both have really heavy armor on, which makes them both extra protected in battle.

Cataphracts were warriors in ancient times, especially in the Middle East, who rode horses that were also heavily armored, with armor covering their bodies and heads. The knights on the horses also wore lots of armor, like a metal jacket, leggings, and a helmet, to keep them safe from arrows and swords.

These cataphracts were really powerful on the battlefield since they were nearly impossible to hurt with normal weapons. They were like tanks, smashing through enemy lines and trampling soldiers along the way. They were very important in battles during the ancient Byzantine empire, and were used up until the medieval period.