History 2173 Lecture : Hoplites and Phalanxes
31 Jan 2013
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Document Summary
Soldiers with spears and shields made up the majority of greek forces. Liked to fight on flat ground because it was easier to stay in formation and battles were fought mainly between the city states of greece. Earliest proof of hoplite armour is from the 8th century bc that was found in a grave. Full bronze panoply costs 3 months wages so not all men could afford to armour themselves. Armour consisted of a bronze helmet, greaves (covering shins only), and a breast plate/cuirass/corset. In general battles went like this where the men would advance toward the enemy army, there would be a clash of arms, all would push, and one side collapses and the other wins. Line formation of hoplites where the right arm of each man holds the shield and protects the man next to them. A large number of men were over 30 and this was another reason battles were short and exhausting.
