Evaluation of Greek Mercenary’s Role in Iran Army Structure during Achaemenid Era

xOne of the features of Iran army during Achaemenid era was being multinational, and almost representatives of all residents of Achaemenid borders, even out of borders, were present in Achaemenid army, especially Greek mercenaries. According to warlike morality and unfavorable economic conditions, Greek mercenaries turned to be mercenary to enjoy wage, premium and other related privileges to mercenaries and the traditional armies used them due to their high skills and efficiency in war and advanced weapons. Some researchers believe that the presence of foreign mercenaries in army was one of the causes of Achaemenid government collapse, because using foreign mercenaries in country army is in conflict to country security requirements. The army is country security support and has access to confidential military information. With powerful kingship, the army is a crucial element to achieve victory, but with the emergence of weak kingship, said army would be the cause of nonalignment and failure. At one hand, foreign forces have not bravery morality and patriotism and at the other hand, gradual development of Achaemenid was dependent on foreign forces. With attention to said issues, Achaemenid army was one of the influential armies due to structure, warfare instrument and tactics and affected the next government armies of the ancient Iran. This research is conducted using historical descriptive–analytical approach emphasizing on remained resources with the goal of evaluating quality of formation and entrance of Greek mercenaries to Achaemenid army.