Persian Cuirass

Persian warrior armor throughout history evolved using materials like cloth , reed , leather and metal. The Achaemenid Empire’s Immortals for example wore scale armor felt caps and embroidered tunics complemented by wicker or leather shields. Later under the Sassanids heavier armor including full plate armor was adopted influencing the development of European knightly armor. Infantry and cavalry units wore scale armor (iron or bronze). Immortals wore felt caps embroidered tunics and wicker shields.

Shields were primarily wicker or leather possibly with figure-8 shaped shields for better mobility.  Archery was a key element with powerful bows and arrows.Heavy armor became more prevalent including full plate armor and helmets a precursor to European knightly armor.Armor production was concentrated in regions like Khorasan and Transoxiana before the Mongol period. During the Safavid period Isfahan became a major center for armor and weapons production.

Firearms eventually led to the abandonment of horse armor due to the weight and mobility issues. The early Achaemenid army relied on lighter armor and a focus on mobility particularly with the Immortals. The Achaemenid and Sassanid periods saw significant advancements in cavalry armor including horse armor. Infantry armor evolved from scale armor to heavier plate armor in later periods. Shields were a crucial defensive element initially made of wicker or leather and later reinforced with metal. Persian warriors were well-equipped with bows and arrows , spears and swords including the iconic akinakes .