On the Art of Horsemanship

These are the defensive arms which with the gracious assistance of heaven will afford protection from harm. For harming the enemy we recommend the sabre[*](The sabre (μάχαιρα) was used in the Lacedaemonian and the Persian army. κοπίς is the special term for the Persian weapon.) rather than the sword, because, owing to his lofty position, the rider will find the cut with the Persian sabre more efficacious than the thrust with the sword.