Achaemenid Soldier – Ranks of these troops populate the famous reliefs of Persepolis. These soldiers were the heart of the Persian forces. The “crowns” they wore were not symbols of royalty or leadership, but were rather worn by all ranks as cheap head protection – the top was open and would have been stuffed with straw and covered with cloth.
In the composition, this soldier has forgotten all duty, discarded his weapons and stares in sheer disbelief as he hoists the Spartan King’s leather and bronze corselet. He knows instantly that if he can get his prize back to his king, Xerxes, he will be rewarded with enough wealth to last a lifetime.