Assemblages of weapons and the development of battle tactics among the population of the Altai forest-steppe in the second half of the I millennium b. c.

The paper examines the evolution of the assemblage of weapons and the battle tactics used by the tribes from the forest-steppe of the Altai in the Early Iron Age. An analysis of weapons from settlement assemblages and from burials is provided. The main types and sets of weapons used during various periods by representatives of the Kamenka, Bystryanka and Staraya Aleika cultures are identified. Three stages are singled out in the development of battle tactics. During the first (5 th and 4 th centuries BC) fighting at close quarters and over distances was engaged in by both mounted warriors and foot soldiers. Troops from the tribes of the Kamenka culture consisted of middle-weight and light cavalry, those from the Bystryanka culture - of light cavalry, and those of the Staraya Aleika - of light infantry. During the second stage (4 th - 3 rd centuries BC) combat between horsemen at close quarters started to play a more important role and middle-distance fighting was practiced. Representatives of the Bystryanka culture began to use middle-weight cavalry. During the third stage (2 nd and 1 st centuries BC) no major changes took place but tactics became more effective thanks to improved weapons.