PERSIAN FIRE By Tom Holland

Little needs to be said about this book.  Although it has generally received rave reviews, the reviewers obviously ignored or else were unaware of the contradictions and errors contained between its covers.  The first and most glaring example occurs near the beginning when the Persian War against the Medes is discussed.  After Cyrus defeated the Medes, the victory is credited to—the Median cavalry!  It is impossible to fathom how such an egregious error could possibly have been overlooked, either by the author, or by his proofreaders and editors.

For this reason alone, the book cannot be taken seriously.  Do not waste your time on it.