Hello
The Sumerian armies introduced many features lately to be found in other armies.
One of those was the war chariot.
However the model depicted in Sumerian art and its role in war is very controversial.
Many scholars claim that this device could not have been use in war (the way we imagine chariots do) because it did not posses the necessary characteristics to do it;.
Many believe that this chariot was in fact a “battle-taxi”, a prestigious form of transportation for the nobleman who would do battle. Almost like a modern commander arriving at the battlefield in a limousine.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k1/JPVieira_2006/carroSumeriocopy.jpg

Come to think of it, it doesn't make sense for it to be a battle unit

Weren't the Celtic Chariots used in a similar way? (attention: Half-knowledge without any idea where or how to back up)

And don't modern commanders usually use helicopters or stay in the bunker/at the secure base? ;)

Come to think of it, it doesn't make sense for it to be a battle unit

Doesn't look so sturdy, although you could use them for ranged attacks (from bows or by using thrown javelins). I wouldn't charge an enemy line with that thing, though...give me the one with the scythes.

This wouldn't be the first instance a civilization has used horses for transport but not battlefield maneuvers, though. Look at the Vikings, who would ride horses to battle and then proceed to fight on foot.

its probly more of a battle taxi.

it choldnt have been that manuverble, or fast compared to sythed chariots, or egyptan war chariots..

i whouldnt have charged it at the enamy, or used it for archers.

Another way for these chariots to be used was as a command post: the commander could be on these platforms and go around the battlefield directing troops and having a clearer undestanding of the situation

Originally I made 2 versions of this illustration: here is the second.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k1/JPVieira_2006/carrosumerio.jpg