Four Representations of Persians Fighting Greeks

These images show some ways Athenians typically represented Persians fighting Greeks on their vases.

        i. This image [c. 510 BC] of a Persian fighting shows many of the characteristic details that are typical of Persian warriors portrayed at war with the Greeks.  These details include a cap with dangling earpieces, a decorative tunic, a quiver draped over his shoulder, and a crescent-shaped wicker shield.

        ii. In this image [c. 475 BC] the bearded Persian lunges to the left with his shield over his forward-extended left arm.  His right arm is thrown back as he prepares to strike with his axe. He wears a patterned "body suit" (actually a close-fitting sleeved jacket and matching trousers), a short, decorative tunic, soft shoes, and a soft cap with dangling pieces flopping over his ears.  He carries a crescent-shaped shield, and a quiver hangs over his shoulder.

        iii. In this image [c. 475 BC] a youthful Greek advances to the right aiming his spear at a bearded Persian, who, having shot an arrow past the Greek, draws back and strives to defend himself with his sword. The Persian is in the stereotypical oriental costume similar to that on the other vases. This common dress consists of a cap, with its flaps lowered, a tight-fitting sleeved tunic/jacket and trousers. His quiver hangs from a cross-belt.

        iv. This image [c. 475 BC] depicts the combat of two Greeks with a mounted Persian. On the far right the bearded Persian cavalryman wears a peaked-headdress, trousers, and a leather jacket decorated in alternating rows of dots and double lines, as well as a short tunic. He charges to the left, reining in his rearing horse with his left hand. The spear that he holds in his right hand is aimed at the head of the Greek facing him.