Interesting information about the soldiers of the past.
The first time the detachment of the Immortals wrote the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in his narrative, full of pain for the conquered Persia, the country these elite soldiers were allocated a lot of space. Such groups could be considered a kind of special forces of the army: well armed, passed the excellent training, they made their considerable contribution in major battles of the Persian kings. The name was intended to convince the opponent of superstitious terror — the number of Immortals has always been the same: exactly 10 000 soldiers, though none died at the hands of the enemy.
Know
These units were the real elite of the army. They were going from the Medes, Persians and Elamites. First, whose responsibility lay guarding the king’s person, was completely noble Persians. To get into one of the regiments of the Immortal is the highest good fortune: before the young men opened the way to the very top of government.
Training
But in order to become Immortal of noble birth was not enough. The boys from childhood accustomed to lead a life of an ascetic, full training and religious training. Candidate for the position mandatory is perfectly mastered the bow, could ride a horse and know the teachings of Zoroaster.
Equipment
Unlike many other army units of the time, Immortal, possessed with standard equipment. Leather armor protected the body, the braided shield was strong, and the short spear allowed the fighter to fight at close range. In addition, each Immortal was equipped with a bow and arrows with iron tips.
The pros and cons
Guards of the king is equally well showed itself, and in the melee, and in the horse. The Immortals were able to quickly overtake the enemy and destroy his United strike — this was their strength. However, in such detachments, there were many drawbacks. Long spears and swords of the enemy nullified the advantages Immortal: Greek hoplites proved for them a very difficult enemy.
The famous battle
Of course, the elite part of the army of the king have participated in almost all major battles of the Persian Empire. Cambyses conquered the Egypt, the new Babylon Kingdom fell under their spears and arrows. The most famous Immortal battles in the Greco-Persian wars (remember, though, a populist, but quite believable, the film “the 300 Spartans”). These wars have become the last refuge of the Immortal — after their troops completely disbanded.
Reincarnation first
Later, in Sasanid Iran has a new Immortal. These groups largely resembled their predecessors and their numbers were exactly 10 000 soldiers. But the Sassanids used the elite guard as the only cavalry units that have borne fruit.
The reincarnation of the second
Iran could not refuse a beautiful legend about the elite warriors. The last Shah of Iran also had his own squad of Immortals, though the number has not exceeded five thousand people. To them was assigned the tank battalion chieftain, never participate in actual combat. The revolution in 1979 graduated from this glorious history of the detachment, soldiers who for centuries were considered the best in Europe.
