The Persian Army

According to the notes, who overthrew the Medes with an army assembled from men from various tribes?

• Cyrus

• Nebuchadnezzar

• Darius

• Xerxes

Answer explanation

Cyrus is the historical figure known for overthrowing the Medes by uniting various tribes under his command, leading to the establishment of the Persian Empire.

Which of the following weapons did the Persian army carry according to the notes?

• Swords

• Scythes

• Spears

• Bows

Answer explanation

The Persian army is noted for carrying scythes, which are curved blades used for cutting. While swords, spears, and bows were also common weapons, the correct answer specifically highlights scythes as part of their arsenal.

The Persian army was always at the core of which groups of people?

• Greeks and Romans

• Persians, Medes, and closely related peoples

• Egyptians and Babylonians

• Lydians and Ionians

Answer explanation

The Persian army was primarily composed of Persians, Medes, and their closely related peoples, forming the backbone of the Achaemenid Empire. Other groups like Greeks and Egyptians were not central to the Persian military structure.

How many subject peoples could additional troops be enlisted from when needed?

• up to 40

• up to 10

• up to 25

• up to 100

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'up to 40' as it indicates the maximum number of subject peoples that can be enlisted as additional troops when needed, which is higher than the other options provided.

From the time of Cyrus II, which group was incorporated into the Persian army either as subject people or mercenaries?

• Greeks

• Romans

• Egyptians

• Scythians

Answer explanation

The Greeks were incorporated into the Persian army as both subject peoples and mercenaries from the time of Cyrus II, reflecting the Persian strategy of utilizing diverse groups for military strength.

The Persian army was made up of royal guards and infantry, with cavalry and chariots being the majority.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because while the Persian army included infantry and royal guards, the majority were actually made up of infantry, not cavalry and chariots.

Who led the whole force of the Persian army?

• The king or one of his trusted close relatives or friends

• A local governor from a conquered region

• A foreign mercenary general

• A council of village elders

• A group of merchants

Answer explanation

The Persian army was typically led by the king or a trusted relative, as they held ultimate authority and command over military operations, ensuring loyalty and strategic leadership.

An example of nobles being killed in action is:

• The death of Lord Kitchener during World War I

• The abdication of King Edward VIII

• The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

• The exile of Napoleon Bonaparte

Answer explanation

The death of Lord Kitchener during World War I is an example of a noble being killed in action, as he was a prominent British military leader who died in a naval disaster in 1916.

Who described aspects of the military training undertaken by young Persian nobles, including running, swimming, archery, hunting, and pursuit?

• Herodotus

• Xenophon

• Cyrus II

• Duncan Head

Answer explanation

Xenophon, a Greek historian and soldier, detailed the military training of young Persian nobles, emphasizing activities like running, swimming, archery, hunting, and pursuit, which were essential for their development.

At what age were trained Persian nobles available for military service, as foot soldiers or on horseback?

• 10

• 20

• 30

• 50

Answer explanation

Trained Persian nobles were available for military service at the age of 20, as this was the age when they were considered fully prepared for combat, either as foot soldiers or cavalry.