
A gorytos ( grc, γωρυτός, la, gorytus) is a type of leather bow-case for a short
composite bow used by the
Scythians in
classical antiquity.
They are a combination of bow case and
quiver in one, and are worn on the archer's left hip with the opening tilted rearward. Many gorytos were highly decorated, and at least one surviving specimen was determined via
SEM examination to be made of human skin.
Some have been found in Macedonian tombs, such as the so-called "Tomb of Philip" in
Vergina of the 2nd half of the 4th century BCE.
They were also used by the
Persians.
Indo-Greeks adopted the composite bow and the gorytos as part of their
mounted archery equipment from around 100 BCE, as can be seen on their coins.
External links
References
History of archery
Ancient Greek military equipment
Ancient Greek military terminology
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