CLST 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Boustrophedon, Epic Cycle, Ischia
4 Apr 2016
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Hoplites: the primary weapon was the spear; and the secondary weapons were stabbing sword and slashing sword, often accompanied by slaves to carry their equipment for them. Hoplite fighting and warfare: two types (difficult to say which made up more of the hoplite warfare) Loose formation and individual combat: a phase of concerted shoving. Light-armed troops: psiloi light-armed soldiers. Ancient sources tended to ignore light-armed troops. They came to play an important part in warfare, beginning in the 420s. Attendance in a very large number in warfare: peltasts soldiers armed with a light crescent-shaped shield (pelte), javelins, and swords. Originally from thrace, this type of soldiers became common in greece especially in the 4th century bc: function of light-armed forces. Use their high mobility to get close to the hoplites, discharge missiles (stones, javelins, arrows) from a certain distance, and withdraw. Usually not regarded as a serious threat, but on occasion they could cause.
