Can I just ask about codes PER2 Takabara? and PER5 Immortals. On the pictures neither have shields, crescent for the Takabara and as best as I can describe a violin shape for the Immortals. I can see you can buy Sparabara pavise shields. Am I missing something?
Bertie.
The PER2 infantry have got the crescent shields on their left arms but it's not visible on the website photos. The PER5 Immortals don't have shields but do have bow/quivers on their backs.
The old Persian Immortals did have a violin shaped shield though?
Tradition has it that the 'viola' shaped shields were used by the Immortals when on guard in the capital or in camp. In set-piece battle they were equipped like the other Sparabara - with the large wicker shield in the front rank and the rear ranks used the bow initially and then all ranks fought with the spear.
The Takabara are usually assumed to be part of later Persian armies (those that fought Alexander for example) whilst the Immortals were earlier.
Many thanks Gents.