The Persian conquest of Egypt in 525 BC netted them Cyprus, therefore Cypriot naval forces became part of the Persian military extension. Cypriots participated in the Battle of Salamis along with the Phoenicians in service to Persia in the unsuccessful naval engagement against the Greeks in 480 BC.

The unusual face shaped shield with the image of a satyr or perhaps Pan, used by the Cypriot Marines, was illustrated on a piece of jewelry which dates back to 480 BC.