The specific distinction between cataphracti and clibanarii is unclear, in no small part due to their similar function. Both were heavily armored shock cavalry, concentrated primarily along the Persian frontier. In both the literary and epigraphic record, cataphracti and clibanarii are used interchangeably to refer to heavily-armored cavalry. If the distinction between comitatenses (field army troops) and limitanei (frontier troops) is used as a comparison, then it is likely that there were small differences between the two in terms of appearance or equipment, but no substantive tactical differences. It has been postulated that clibanarii were more heavily armored, with the term clibanarius, which roughly translates to “oven man”, not untruthfully referencing the experience of wearing heavier armor. While interesting, it is never specifically stated that clibanarii wore more armor.