I know the Trojan Horse would be considered a cited example of early special forces use. But, from what I've read that's mythos. Are there any real recorded examples of the use of unconventional warfare?
So I've been reading about the Roman army before 88 recently. There was a special division of the allies that was drafted for special actions (not exactly clear what this means) that Polybius reports. These were selected by person and used for scouting and apparently other things. Polybius 6.26
They first of all select for the consuls for the whole force of allies assembled the horsemen and footmen most fitted for actual service, these being known as extraordinarii, that is "select."
These guys show up in Livy as well, but I'm not bothered to track all the references down now.
These were attached to the consul in Polybius and other commanders in other sources, and used both as a body guard and scouts.
Also, in Plutarch's life of Sertorius, you will find an account of him waging an almost completely unconventional war against Metellus and Pompey with guerrilla tactics. I wouldn't say those guys were special forces exactly; it seems to me to be Sertorius' standard tactics instead of special ops.