First Iranian military units in the army of Alexander the Great

Abstract

The first Iranian units enlisted in Alexander’s army were the cavalry detachments formed in Media; one of them, consisting of Iranian aristocrats, was sent to Arachosia in the autumn of 330. Another cavalry unit, supporting Alexander’s generals in Media, was probably established by the satrap of the country Oxydates. Recruitment of Iranians for Alexander’s army reached large proportions when the king established the hippakontistai division in 330.