What was the composition of the Persian army?

The Persian army was the ancient world's equivalent of a multi-national peace force: it maintained the (Persian) world order by employing a core of Persian and Median infantry and cavalry as well as mercenaries from the corners of the empire - Arab camel-riders and bowmen, Cypriot and Egyptian naval ships, Central Asian and African tribesmen using scimitars, short swords & slings, Greek bowmen from the satraps of Asia Minor and Indians equipped with chariots, bows and short swords. This source-based homework task is designed to increase student understanding of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum
Higher School Certificate course
Historical Periods: Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the Death of Darius III