Immortals in Persia (5th-century BC)
In his description of the Battle of Thermopylae (link to a previous post) the Greek historian Herodotus mentions an elite corps of the Persian army called the Ten Thousand, or ‘the Immortals’. This group was known as ‘the Immortals’ because the division was always at full strength – never more, and never less – than ten thousand. If a warrior fell ill, or perished on the battlefield, another man would immediately be sent in to replace him, giving the illusion that strength of their force never wavered.
The Immortals were not only above the rest of the Persian army in skill, but were also kept at a physical distance from everyone else – because they also served as the personal bodyguards of the Persian king, the Immortals marched as a separate unit, and their own provisions were brought separately from those of the regular army, along with their personal slaves and concubines.
Herodotus describes: “ …every man glittered with the gold which he carried about his person in unlimited quantity. They were accompanied, moreover, by covered carriages full of their women and servants, all elaborately fitted out. Special food, separate from that of the rest of the army, was brought along for them on camels and mules…” (7.83)
As for weapons, the Immortals used the composite bow, spears, and short swords. In order to move quickly and efficiently, they wore very light armor – unlike the bronze greaves or helmets of the Greeks – and light, wicker shields were carried only by those in the front rank, who would use them as a defensive barrier if necessary.
Herodotus describes their clothes: “…the dress of these troops consisted of the tiara, or soft felt cap, embroidered tunic with sleeves, a coat of mail looking like the scales of a fish, and trousers…” (7.61). Although this elite force was visibly impressive, and was used by the Persian kings for over a hundred years to conquer nation after nation, they were only sent in as a last reserve against the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae… where the small Greek and Spartan force inflicted heavy losses and actually caused the Immortals to retreat.
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Tomorrow: All about vomitoriums
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