heavy infantry and decisive battles with the purpose of killing
one’s foes and that this style of warfare accounts for much of the
success of Western Europe in conquering the globe during the era
of colonialism.The Persian Army and Its Technology
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Empire, including a wide range of troop types, weapons, and
armor. The bulk of the army comprised temporary conscripts, but
it also included a number of more professional contingents. The
Persians also employed mercenaries in their army, including large
contingents of Greek hoplites.
x Among the professional soldiers were the Immortals, a well-trained,
cohesive group of 10,000 elite infantry. Their shields, often made
of wicker or animal hides, offered far less protection compared to
the heavy wood and bronze carried by the typical hoplite, and their
body armor was similarly lightweight.x Some of the best units in the Persian army were the cavalry,
considered the most prestigious arm of the military and, thus,
appropriate for the aristocracy. Persian horsemen wielded light
spears, axes, and swords, but their armor was relatively light.x The principal weapon of the Persians was the bow, used by both
foot and mounted archers, and Persian military tactics often featured
harassing squadrons of horse archers who would charge in, release
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eastern Greek cities that had been absorbed by the Persian Empire.
Although the insurrection was crushed, the rebels had received
some aid from the Greek mainland. The Persian king viewed this
aid as unwarranted interference and launched a punitive expedition
in 490 B.C.