Peltasts and chariots at Cunaxa

[Robert Vermaat]

I tend to think that Dan's idea, that they had the same general role as armoured cavalry with lances, is likely.

Odd that these chariots did not have archers (which we do see on earlier Assyrian chariots) - perhaps the Persians developed them to disrupt enemy cavalry formations? Against a Macedonian phalanx, any use would be limited.
The head-on charge: evidently a 'last resort' tactic, especially if the enemy is a disciplined infantry that won't budge.
Into a gap: potentially succesful if you can get the flank of a formation, where the scythes do most damage.
Across the front: depends on the enemy - I doubt that a phalanx would let any chariot get that close.

Chariots can indeed be succesful, but against untrained infantry or loose cavalry, plus you need unbroken ground.