From Desert Archers to Mountain Horsemen: A Dive into the Persian Multinational Military
The Achaemenid Empire, at its zenith, was an incredible mosaic of different ethnicities and cultures, governed by a centralized system that allowed for unparalleled cooperation and coordination in military campaigns. The sheer size and diversity of the empire were mirrored in its military. The Persian army was a true multinational force, reflecting the vast regions under its sway.
One of the most striking pieces of evidence showcasing this intricate system is the monumental Battle of Plataea, and more specifically, the diverse army that General Mardonius led. This assembly of troops, as described by Herodotus and etched in stone at the Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis, offers a revealing look at the multi-ethnic composition of the Achaemenid forces.
Simeon Netchev / World History Encyclopedia
1. Persians: The Elite Soldiers
The Persians formed the core of the Achaemenid military, often in the most prestigious and heavily armed positions. Their significance lay not just in their number but also in the strategic roles they played in the empire's military conquests. At Plataea, these were the elite fighters that Mardonius would have heavily relied upon, serving as his guards and frontline combatants.
2. Medians: The Allies Turned Subjects
Once a significant power in their own right, the Medians were assimilated into the Achaemenid Empire following Cyrus the Great's conquest. At the Battle of Plataea, the Medians were akin to the Persians in terms of their role on the battlefield. Their incorporation into the Achaemenid army was symbolic of the empire's capacity to integrate conquered peoples, turning them from potential threats into assets.
3. Sakas: The Nomadic Archers
Often referred to as Scythians in some sources, the Sakas were a nomadic group known for their prowess with the bow. Their inclusion in Mardonius' army provided an essential ranged component to the Achaemenid forces. Their mobility and ability to harass enemy lines from a distance would have been invaluable in the open plains of Plataea.
4. Bactrians: From the Far East of the Empire
Hailing from the region corresponding to present-day Afghanistan, the Bactrians provided a distinct character to the Achaemenid army. Recognized for their cavalry, these units would have played a critical role in providing Mardonius with swift and effective mounted forces. Their knowledge of varied terrains, owing to their homeland, would also have made them adaptable fighters.
5. Indians: The Exotic Contingent
The inclusion of Indians within the ranks of Mardonius’ army is a testament to the vast expanse of the Achaemenid Empire. Equipped with their unique weapons, like the bamboo longbow, and potentially elephant units, the Indians added an element of unpredictability to the Achaemenid forces. Their participation is a vivid representation of the empire's vastness and its ability to mobilize troops from the farthest reaches of its territories.
The Achaemenid forces at the Battle of Plataea, under General Mardonius, provide a fascinating study into the diverse and coordinated military apparatus of the empire.
The Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis: A Monument to Diversity
Located near Persepolis, the Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis stands as a proud testament to the Achaemenid Empire’s legacy. Among its reliefs, one can find a list of troops by ethnicity, including those that fought at Plataea. This listing offers a visual confirmation of the empire's multi-ethnic character and is a lasting tribute to the vast territories and peoples that the Achaemenids governed.
HERODOTUS’ TESTIMONY
According to modern estimates based on the order of battle described by Herodotus, the detailed composition of the Achaemenid army consisted of about 40,000 Persian troops on the left of the battle line, facing the Spartans; about 20,000 Bactrians, Indians and Sakae in the center, facing various Greek states; and about 20,000 Greek allies of the Persians (Macedonians, Thessalians, Beotians, Thebeans), positioned on the right wing, facing the Athenians. Some 5,000 people made up the cavalry, which also included Persians, Bactrians, Indians, and Sakae.
Herodotus described in detail the dispositions of the two armies:
He posted the Persians facing the Lacedaemonians ... Next to the Persians he posted the Medes, fronting the men of Corinth and Potidaea and Orchomenus and Sicyon; next to the Medes, the Bactrians, fronting men of Epidaurus, Troezen, Lepreum, Tiryns, Mycenae, and Phlius. After the Bactrians he set the Indians, fronting the men of Hermione and Eretria and Styra and Chalcis. Next to the Indians he posted the Sacae, fronting the Ampraciots, Anactorians, Leucadians, Paleans, and Aeginetans; next to the Sacae, and over against the Athenians and Plataeans and Megarians, the Boeotian and Locrians and Malians and Thessalians and the thousand that came from Phocis ... Besides these, he arrayed against the Athenians Macedonians also and the dwellers about Thessaly. These that I have named were the greatest of the nations set in array by Mardonius that were of most note and account; but there was also in the army a mixed multitude of Phrygians, Thracians, Mysians, Paeonians, and the rest, besides Ethiopians and the Egyptian swordsmen.
— Herodotus IX-31/32.
In conclusion, the Achaemenid forces at the Battle of Plataea, under General Mardonius, provide a fascinating study into the diverse and coordinated military apparatus of the empire. This amalgamation of different ethnicities, each bringing their unique strengths to the battlefield, showcases the empire’s ability to integrate and command a multitude of cultures under a single banner. The reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam further immortalize this diversity, offering present and future generations a glimpse into the richness of the Achaemenid era.
