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The Parthian shot was a tactic employed by ancient Middle Eastern horse archers. The horsemen would feign retreat at full gallop, then suddenly turn their bodies around and fire an arrow at the pursuing enemy. This tactic was sucessfully used by the Parthians and other Middle Eastern civilizations utilizing cavalry extensively to disrupt, harass, maim, and kill enemy forces, especially infantry.
A notable battle where this tactic as employed was the Battle of Carrhae.
Today the term "parting shot" has its origins in this tactic.
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