Warfare > Cardaces

Cardaces

Background

The Cardaces were an important component of the Achaemenid Persian army, particularly during its later periods. These troops played a significant role in the military campaigns and structure of the Persian forces. Here’s a detailed overview of the Cardaces, their composition, roles, and significance:

Overview and Composition

1. Name and Etymology:

   • The term "Cardaces" (also spelled "Kardakes") is derived from the Persian word "Kardaka," which translates to "young soldiers" or "militia."

2. Recruitment and Composition:

   • The Cardaces were primarily composed of young, less experienced soldiers, often levied from the various provinces of the Persian Empire.
   • They were typically recruited from the satrapies (provinces) and were a mix of ethnicities, reflecting the diverse nature of the empire.

3. Training and Equipment:

   • These troops received basic military training and were equipped with lighter armor compared to the elite units like the Persian Immortals.
   • Their armament generally included spears, swords, and shields. The quality and type of equipment could vary significantly depending on the region from which they were recruited.

Role and Function

1. Infantry:

   • The Cardaces served as light to medium infantry. They were often deployed in large numbers to bulk up the Persian army’s ranks.
   • Their primary role was to provide a solid line of defense and support more specialized units such as archers, cavalry, and elite infantry.

2. Flexibility and Deployment:

   • Due to their lighter equipment, the Cardaces were relatively mobile and could be used for various tasks, including skirmishing, holding positions, and supporting flanking maneuvers.
   • They were often positioned in the front lines or on the flanks to absorb the initial impact of enemy attacks and to protect more valuable troops behind them.

3. Support Roles:

   • In addition to combat roles, the Cardaces could also be used for logistical and support tasks within the army, such as guarding supply lines and camps.

Historical Context

1. Persian Military Structure:

   • The Persian army was known for its diverse composition, integrating different types of troops from various parts of the empire. The Cardaces were an essential part of this system, providing the necessary manpower to sustain prolonged military campaigns.
   • Their presence allowed the Persian commanders to maintain flexibility in battle tactics and to deploy more specialized units effectively.

2. Key Battles:

   • The Cardaces were present in several major battles of the Greco-Persian Wars, including the Battle of Issus and the Battle of Gaugamela.
   • At Issus (333 BCE) and Gaugamela (331 BCE), they formed part of the larger Persian infantry contingents that faced Alexander the Great's forces. Despite their numerical strength, they were often outmatched by the disciplined and heavily armored Macedonian phalanx.

Significance and Legacy

1. Strengths and Weaknesses:

   • The main strength of the Cardaces was their numbers, which could overwhelm smaller, less organized enemy forces.
   • However, their relative lack of training and lighter armor made them less effective against well-trained and heavily armed opponents, such as the Greek hoplites and Macedonian phalanxes.

2. Contribution to Persian Military:

   • The Cardaces exemplified the Persian strategy of using a multi-ethnic and versatile army. They filled crucial roles that allowed the Persian military to function effectively across various terrains and in different types of engagements.
   • Their flexibility and mobility complemented the more specialized units within the Persian army, enhancing the overall tactical options available to Persian commanders.

3. Historical Perspective:

   • While the Cardaces were not the most elite troops in the Persian army, their contributions were vital to the operational capacity of the Persian military.
   • Their involvement in key battles highlights the importance of having a large and adaptable infantry force capable of supporting more specialized and elite units.

Conclusion

The Cardaces were an integral part of the Achaemenid Persian army, serving as light to medium infantry. They provided essential support and bulk to the Persian military forces, playing crucial roles in various battles and campaigns. Despite their limitations in training and equipment, their flexibility and numbers made them a valuable asset to the Persian military strategy. The legacy of the Cardaces underscores the effectiveness of the Persian approach to building a diverse and multi-functional army capable of operating across the vast and varied territories of the empire.

Sources:

Pierre Briant, From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire. Especially pages 1036-1037.

Jeff Jonas, Kardakes or Cardaces: AtG Designer's notes. (Contains a letter by Duncan Head).

Duncan Head, The Achaemenid Persian Army. Montvert Publications, 1992. pp. 42-43.,

Persian Warfare