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Hypaspists

Background

The Hypaspists (Greek: Ὑπασπισταί, "shield-bearers") were an elite infantry unit in the Macedonian army during the time of Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great. They played a crucial role in the success of Macedonian military campaigns, serving as a versatile and highly capable force that could undertake a variety of tasks on the battlefield.

Characteristics and Equipment:

1. Elite Status:

   • Selection and Training: Hypaspists were selected for their physical prowess, courage, and loyalty. They underwent rigorous training to ensure they were capable of performing various demanding roles in combat.
   • Role in the Army: As elite infantry, they occupied a position between the heavy infantry of the phalanx and the more mobile light infantry and cavalry. Their versatility made them invaluable for different types of operations.

2. Equipment:

   • Armor: Hypaspists were typically equipped with heavier armor than light infantry but lighter than the phalangites. They wore a bronze or iron helmet, a breastplate (often a muscle cuirass or a linothorax), and greaves for leg protection.
   • Weapons: Their primary weapon was the spear, shorter than the sarissa used by the phalangites but still effective for thrusting. They also carried a short sword (xiphos) for close combat.
   • Shield: The distinctive hoplon or aspis shield, similar to that used by Greek hoplites, was their primary defensive equipment, providing substantial protection and allowing for effective close-quarters fighting.

Roles and Functions:

1. Guard and Escort Duties:

   • Royal Guard: Hypaspists often served as the royal guard, providing personal protection for the king and other high-ranking officers. Their presence was a mark of prestige and security.
   • Escort Missions: They were responsible for escorting important individuals, securing key locations, and performing ceremonial duties when not in active combat.

2. Combat Roles:

   • Versatility: Hypaspists were used in various combat scenarios, from leading assaults on fortified positions to filling gaps in the phalanx and executing flanking maneuvers. Their flexibility allowed commanders to deploy them in numerous tactical situations.
   • Assault Troops: In siege warfare, hypaspists were often at the forefront of assaults on enemy fortifications. Their combination of mobility, protection, and fighting skills made them ideal for breaching walls and engaging defenders in close combat.

3. Support and Flanking:

   • Supporting the Phalanx: Hypaspists frequently operated alongside the phalanx, providing support where needed. They could reinforce weak points, exploit breaches, and protect the flanks of the heavily armored phalanx units.
   • Flanking Maneuvers: Their lighter equipment and greater mobility compared to the phalangites made them suitable for flanking maneuvers, where they could outmaneuver and disrupt enemy formations.

Historical Context and Notable Engagements:

1. Philip II and the Creation of the Hypaspists:

   • Military Reforms: Philip II of Macedon is credited with creating the hypaspists as part of his comprehensive military reforms. These reforms aimed to create a more flexible and capable army, combining the strengths of various troop types.
   • Role in Macedonian Expansion: Under Philip's leadership, the hypaspists played a crucial role in the expansion of Macedonian power, participating in numerous battles and campaigns.

2. Alexander the Great's Campaigns:

   • Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE): At the Battle of Gaugamela, the hypaspists played a pivotal role in the Macedonian victory. They were positioned on the right flank, supporting the Companion Cavalry led by Alexander himself. Their ability to hold the line and exploit openings was crucial in the battle's success.
   • Siege of Tyre (332 BCE): During the lengthy and challenging Siege of Tyre, the hypaspists were instrumental in the final assault on the city's fortifications. Their elite status and training allowed them to overcome the city's formidable defenses.
   • Battle of Issus (333 BCE): In the Battle of Issus, hypaspists fought alongside the Macedonian phalanx and cavalry, contributing to the encirclement and defeat of the Persian army led by Darius III.

3. Legacy and Evolution:

   • Successor States: After Alexander's death, the Successor states (Diadochi) continued to employ and adapt the use of hypaspists. They became known as the "Argyraspides" (Silver Shields) in some armies, retaining their elite status and playing key roles in subsequent Hellenistic conflicts.
   • Influence on Later Armies: The concept of versatile, elite infantry units influenced later military formations, showcasing the importance of adaptable and highly trained troops in ancient warfare.

Conclusion:

The hypaspists were an elite and versatile infantry unit in the Macedonian army, crucial to the military successes of Philip II and Alexander the Great. Their ability to serve in a variety of roles, from royal guards to frontline assault troops, made them indispensable in numerous battles and campaigns. The legacy of the hypaspists continued in the armies of the Successor states, highlighting their enduring impact on ancient military strategy and organization. Their combination of mobility, protection, and fighting prowess exemplified the effectiveness of adaptable and well-trained infantry in ancient warfare.

Sources

Iliad. Book 13, line 158.

Herodotus, Histories, 5.111

Euripides. Rhesus, line 2

Xenophon, Anabasis. 4.2.20

Macedonian Warrior Alexander's elite infantryman, page 41, ISBN 978-1-84176-950-9,2006

Diodorus Siculus. Book 19.40

Arrian's Anabasis. Book 2, line 4 and following

The Campaigns of Alexander. Book IV, 28, viii

The Campaigns of Alexander. Appendix XIX, paragraph 9

Polybius. XVIII.33.1-7

Polybius. V.26.8

Polybius. V.25.1

Greek Warfare