The Ancient Greek Soldier And His Fighting Techniques

Bronze Age Combat Mycenaean to early Archaic: 1700 - 700 BCE Heavy armour was very expensive so only wealthy aristocrats could afford it A time period of one-on-one fighting, little overall organization and possible single battles of army champions (such as The Battle of Achilles and Hector)

The Hoplite 675-650 BCE A new style of warfare that depended on unified movement of large number of soldiers Heavily armed, but not just aristocrats in heavy armor. Any citizen who could afford the armour could stand shoulder to shoulder with the aristocrats The importance of this new type of soldier / battle style was one factor that led to the general public demanding more political power (which later became democracy)

Cuirass (Breast Plate) Protection and intimidation Muscle design actually occurred Corinthian Helmet Xiphos (Short Sword) Secondary Weapon Double-edged Shaped like a leaf Used for cutting and slashing (up close) Spear (Primary Weapon) Stabbing and thrusting, not throwing A javelin was a smaller spear Hoplites would throw Hoplon (Shield) Specific to phalanx formation Round and three-feet wide Where the name “Hoplite” comes from Greaves (Shin and Knee Protection

The Phalanx Like an early version of the tank

How The Phalanx Worked There were three components: Heavy armour (full body protection) Large round shield held on LEFT arm (This shield would protect half of the man on the soldier's left) Trained movement in complete unison.

How The Phalanx Worked Line up shoulder to shoulder, packed into rows in which each rank is almost treading on the heals of the one in front of it This formation was usually eight rows deep with your best soldiers in the first two-three rows The two battling sides would advance at each other at a fast walk When they came close, the front would raise their spears and start stabbing at unprotected areas with overhead thrusts Meanwhile, the ranks behind literally shoved against those in front using their strength and weight to break the enemy's ranks Key to success depended on every man holding his place in formation

Conditions of a Hoplite Battle AWFUL! Heavy and Hot Blood splattered everywhere! Men trampled underfoot. Positive Notes: Battles were brief; usually less than an hour. Campaigns were short usually a single battle ended the fighting for the summer. Sides would then bury their dead and go home to their normal job (crafter, potter etc.) Relatively light casualties as well usually about a 15% loss of life. Once enemy broke ranks and fled not much pursuit Total massacres of a defeated army were rare