Its line of battle once broken, a Persian army lost heart; its commander commonly set the example of flight, and there was a general rush of all arms from the battle-field.
For success the Persians trusted mainly to their numbers, which enabled them, in some cases, to renew an attack time after time with fresh troops, in others to outflank and surround their adversary.

Their best troops were undoubtedly their cavalry, both heavy and light.

The heavy, armed in the old times with bows, and in the later with the javelins, highly distinguished itself on many important occasions.

The weight of its charge must have been great; its offensive weapons were good; and its armor made it almost invulnerable to ordinary weapons.

The light cavalry was celebrated for the quickness and dexterity of its manoeuvres.