Despite their tension, the Greeks understood that only a bloody battle could lead to survival. Cleanor, watching the enemy close in, noted they were entering the range of the slingers. He immediately issued an order: "Slingers, prepare!"
The slingers in the rearguard quickly began swinging their slings. Though the accuracy and force of their stones were weaker at a distance of over 300 meters, the sheer number and density of the Persian forces meant nearly every stone hit someone. Chaos broke out in the Persian center, halting their advance.
"Governor, the enemy's attack is too fierce! Should we temporarily fall back and let the flanking forces close in first?" a deputy suggested to Tissaphernes.