The Immortals were a highly specialized army during the time of the Persian Empire, notably remembered from the movie '300 Spartans'. Their name stems from the fact that this elite force consisted of 10,000 soldiers, and their numbers were never allowed to dwindle. If one fell, another would immediately take their place, ensuring that the unit always remained at full strength.
The Immortals were chosen from powerful, tall, athletic young men brought from all corners of the world. They underwent two years of specialized training under the guidance of seasoned warfare instructors, along with a tailored diet to ensure their physical prowess.
Even after rigorous training in the art of war for two years, simply completing their preparation and adaptation process was not enough to join the ranks of the Immortals. Graduates of the two-year specialized training were sent to the empire's border regions to prove themselves in the battles there. Those who managed to endure the harsh conditions and survive returned, earning their place among the Immortals.
The Persian Immortals were a legendary army that struck fear into their enemies. While they didn't directly engage in battles, they would enter the fray under perilous circumstances and depending on the course of the battle.
The Immortals notably stood out during the Persian Empire's invasion of Greece and the Battle of Thermopylae. They played a pivotal role in ending the conflict by surrounding the fighting Spartan army. Of course, it wasn't as straightforward. Initially, the Spartans resisted the massive Persian forces for three days with a small unit. Eventually, the Immortals, guided by a traitorous Spartan, outflanked the Spartans, leading to the victory through the beheading of King Leonidas, as depicted in the same film.
For centuries, this significant army has been immortalized in world and Persian history. The enigmatic Persians fought without conventional weapons or armor, employing a purely offensive combat strategy focusing on skills with the bow, arrow, spear, axe, dagger, and sword. Some historical sources suggest that the Immortals may have been afflicted with leprosy. Another reason they came to be known as the 'Immortals' is due to the later translation by Greek sources of the special Persian warriors' name.
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