Sumerian Chariot

[JP Vieira]

Hello
The Sumerian armies introduced many features lately to be found in other armies.
One of those was the war chariot.
However the model depicted in Sumerian art and its role in war is very controversial.
Many scholars claim that this device could not have been use in war (the way we imagine chariots do) because it did not posses the necessary characteristics to do it;.
Many believe that this chariot was in fact a “battle-taxi”, a prestigious form of transportation for the nobleman who would do battle. Almost like a modern commander arriving at the battlefield in a limousine.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k1/JPVieira_2006/carrosumerio.jpg

[SuperSLime]

Many scholars claim that this device could not have been use in war (the way we imagine chariots do) because it did not posses the necessary characteristics to do it;.

How historically accurate is that illustration? Is it based on archaelogical finds, Sumerian art or what? I ask because the wheels look rather small and heavy for a high-speed war chariot; as far as I know most war chariots (Celtic etc) had two relatively large, spoked wheels rather than four solid ones.

Also, is that donkeys pulling it?? Can't imagine them speeding into battle!

[Reloader]

Also, is that donkeys pulling it?? Can't imagine them speeding into battle!

The references I found state that it was pulled by Onagers, a kind of Asian wild ass:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onager

Someone else's interpretation in a model:

http://www.hat.com/Othr7/Gorman18P.html

[Bombardier]

JP's version is near identical to the other version you posted Reloader albeit a little less rugged looking.

Good info mate (Y)

[Reloader]

JP obviously researches his subjects.

[SuperSLime]

Almost like a modern commander arriving at the battlefield in a limousine.

Sort of an early Land Rover Carawagon then?