The Parthian people or ' Parni' were of Scythian origin. Between 250 and 130 BC they conquered a fast empire from Armenia to Afghanistan. They are best known for their horse archers, with their ' Parthian shot' who defeated Crassus and his legions near Charrai (Karrai) in Mesopotamia in 53 BC. The Romans waged several campaigns and wars against the Parthians for dominance over provinces in the Middle east. A Parthian army did not gather his units by trumpets or horns but with large cattle drums. A small part of their army consisted of noblemen in armor, the Cataphract cavalry.