Hoplite Warfare

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the history and development of the warfare of the Hoplites, the primary core of the Greek Infantry. It begins by discussing some general background about the Hoplites and their armaments and then describes their combat and tactics in warfare. The paper concludes by discussing their development and rise to power and then describes the factors contributing to their downfall.

Table of Contents:
The Hoplite and Armaments
Combat and Tactics
History : Development and Downfall
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"At the height of the Hoplite Wars in the Eight Century B.C. several changes and development have evolved within the ranks and class of the hoplites. Greek Warfare was principally held on land battle with the development of the phalanx formation. It is a formation used by the hoplites to defend the ranks while in the line of attack. Initiating a rectangular formation, hoplites would lock their shield or Aspis while moving forward with the thrust sphere extended towards the enemy. The effectiveness of this formation was proven in Marathon with the victory of the Athenians over the Persians. In this period, the Persian War brought forth some changes with the usual armament of the hoplites. Having been instructed to pursue the archers of Persia in battle, innovations were made on the basic components of the panoplies of the hoplites. It adapted other lighter materials to make the armor and helmets. Their shields were reduced to a smaller size but are still capable of protecting the phalanx formation of the hoplites. The Persian War also brought forth augmentation of other military personnel in the army. Specifically, the Athenians commissioned peltasts, a type of light infantry in ancient Greek Warfare. They often function as skirmishers for the army, a small troop lined in for short lightning battles. Athenians also started to implore the services of additional cavalry in response to the tactics of the Persian Army."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Athenian Daily Life ; Roger Dunkle, Brooklyn College (2005) Extracted September 25, 2006: Website : http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/athnlife/warfare1.htm
• The Development of The Greek World 800-500 BC ; Jeffery Lumb; HSC Online (2006) Extracted September 25, 2006 Website : http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ancient_history/historical_periods/greece/greek_world/hoplitewarfare.htm
• The Hoplite Experience; Holy Cross Education Dept ; Extracted September, 27, 2006 Website : http://www.holycross.edu/departments/classics/dawhite/
• Othismos: The Importance of the Mass-Shove in Hoplite Warfare Robert D. Luginbill Phoenix, Vol. 48, No. 1 (Spring, 1994), pp. 51-61; Extracted September 27, 2006; Website : http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0031-8299%28199421%2948%3A1%3C51%3AOTIOTM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I&size=SMALL
• Hoplite; Wikipedia Encyclopedia (2006) Extracted September 27, 2006; Website : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplite#column-one

More papers on Hoplite Warfare:

• Essay # 49060 : "History of Warfare"
• Book Review # 70996 : "Warfare and Society in Europe"
• Essay # 64992 : "The Peloponnesian War"

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