Reconstructed Persian weapons

[immortal]

Let me first say that the Achaemenid Persian army is my main area of research, I recently visited Iran and didn't want to come back!

I am dubious as to whether the 'Immortals' actually existed. The only references we have to them are from Herodotus.
Xenophon, who is much more reliable, makes no mention of them. Instead he talks about 'Table companions' and 'Spear bearers'.
I don't doubt that there was an elite corps of Persians, but the title 'Immortals' is certainly Greek.

I am also sure that this elite unit would have operated on horseback, not on foot.

The main problem with every modern reconstruction that I have seen of a Persian is the leg wear. Achaemenid Persians did not wear trousers but hoes, with the feet attached. These are shown very clearly at Persepolis. All clothing for rank and file should really be made from woollen cloth, the tiara should be felt.
I doubt very much that infantry wore a helmet under the tiara, or even wore body armour. Their role was not as front line combatants and as such this equipment was not necessary.

Ardeshir: your reconstruction is very nice, but you are dressed as an Anatolian and not a Persian or Mede. The sword, shield and cuirass are all eastern Greek in design. While a member of the Persian Empire, it is not native.

I am very dubious that a Persian arrow could pierce bronze armour. We know that typical the heads were very small (I have some) and the shafts were reed. Casualties would be caused by hitting unprotected areas such as the face, neck, arms and feet. Arrows ricochet like bullets also, so hitting unprotected areas is not that unlikely, even when taking cover behind your shield.