CATAPHRACTA, (from κατάφραξις, and φράξω, I. fortify or arm), in the ancient military art, a piece of heavy defensive armour, formed of cloth or leather, fortified with iron scales, or links wherewith sometimes only the breast, sometimes the whole body, and sometimes the horse too, was covered. It was in use among the Sarmatians, Persians, and other barbarians. The Romans also adopted it early for their foot; and, according to Vegetius, kept to it till the time of Gratian, when the military discipline growing remiss, and field exercises and labour discontinued, the Roman foot thought the cataphracta as well as the helmet too great a load to bear; and therefore threw both by, choosing rather to march against the enemy bare-breasted; by which, in the war with the Goths, multitudes were destroyed.