Warfare > Infantry

Ancient Greek Infantry

Background

Ancient Greek infantry played a crucial role in Greek warfare, evolving significantly over time to meet the changing demands of the battlefield. From the early hoplite warriors of the Archaic and Classical periods to the more diverse infantry units of the Hellenistic era, Greek infantry tactics and equipment reflected the military innovations and societal values of their respective periods.

Hoplite Infantry:

1. Hoplites:
   • Primary Soldiers: Hoplites were the backbone of Greek infantry during the Archaic (circa 800-480 BCE) and Classical (circa 480-323 BCE) periods. They were heavily armed citizen-soldiers, primarily from the middle and upper classes.
   • Equipment: Hoplites wore bronze helmets, breastplates (often a muscle cuirass or linothorax), greaves, and carried large round shields called aspis or hoplon. Their main weapon was the dory, a long spear, and they also carried short swords (xiphos) for close combat.
   • Phalanx Formation: The hoplite phalanx was a tight, rectangular formation where soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, their shields overlapping to create a wall of protection. The phalanx relied on collective discipline and cohesion, making it a formidable force in close combat.

Light Infantry:

1. Psiloi:

   • Light Troops: Psiloi were lightly armed troops who played a supporting role to the hoplites. They carried minimal armor and were equipped with ranged weapons such as slings, javelins, and bows.
   • Tactics: Psiloi engaged in skirmishing, harassment, and reconnaissance, using their mobility to disrupt enemy formations and protect the flanks of the hoplite phalanx.

2. Gymnitai:

   • Naked or Lightly Armed: Gymnitai were another type of light infantry, often with even less armor than the psiloi. They were used for similar roles, including skirmishing and harassment.

3. Peltasts:

   • More Heavily Armed Light Infantry: Peltasts were more heavily armed than psiloi and gymnitai, equipped with a crescent-shaped shield called a pelte, javelins, and sometimes swords or daggers.
   • Flexible Tactics: Peltasts were highly mobile and used to disrupt enemy formations, protect the phalanx, and exploit weaknesses in the enemy lines.

Hellenistic Infantry:

1. Phalangites:

   • Macedonian Phalanx: Under Philip II and Alexander the Great, the Macedonian phalanx was developed, with soldiers called phalangites. They were equipped with the sarissa, a long pike (up to 18 feet), and smaller shields.
   • Tactical Innovations: The Macedonian phalanx provided greater reach and offensive power, creating a formidable front line that could dominate enemy hoplite formations. The phalangites' discipline and training were key to their effectiveness.

2. Hypaspists:

   • Elite Infantry: Hypaspists were elite infantry who served alongside the phalangites. They were more heavily armed and armored than light troops, with equipment similar to hoplites, and played versatile roles in the army.
   • Guard and Assault Troops: Hypaspists often served as royal guards, assault troops, and support for the phalanx, providing flexibility and strength in various combat situations.

3. Thorakitai and Thureophoroi:

   • Heavier Infantry: Thorakitai were more heavily armored infantry in the Hellenistic period, wearing chainmail or other types of armor, and carrying larger shields (thureos) and spears or javelins.
   • Versatile Roles: Thureophoroi were medium infantry equipped with a large oval shield (thureos), spears, and javelins. They could act as both skirmishers and close combat troops, providing a bridge between light and heavy infantry.

Notable Battles and Tactics:

1. Battle of Marathon (490 BCE):

   • Hoplite Victory: The Greek hoplites, primarily Athenians, defeated the Persian forces using the phalanx formation. The discipline and heavy armor of the hoplites proved superior against the lighter-armed Persian infantry.

2. Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE):

   • Heroic Stand: The Spartan-led Greek forces held the pass at Thermopylae against a much larger Persian army. The narrow pass neutralized the Persians' numerical advantage, showcasing the effectiveness of hoplite tactics in confined spaces.

3. Battle of Chaeronea (338 BCE):

   • Macedonian Innovations: Philip II of Macedon used the Macedonian phalanx and combined arms tactics to defeat the Greek city-states, demonstrating the superiority of the sarissa-armed phalangites and coordinated cavalry attacks.

4. Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE):

   • Alexander's Strategy: At Gaugamela, Alexander the Great used his phalanx to pin the Persian forces while his Companion Cavalry and hypaspists executed decisive flanking maneuvers, leading to a crushing victory over Darius III.

Legacy and Influence:

1. Cultural Impact:

   • Heroic Ideals: The infantry, particularly the hoplites, became emblematic of Greek martial values and civic duty. The concept of the citizen-soldier was central to Greek identity and politics.
   • Epic Literature: The exploits of Greek infantry were immortalized in epic poetry and historical accounts, influencing later Western military thought and literature.

2. Military Evolution:

   • Hellenistic Innovations: The transition from hoplite-based armies to more diverse and flexible Hellenistic forces reflected the changing nature of warfare and the need for more adaptable tactics.
   • Influence on Rome: Greek military practices, especially those of the Hellenistic period, influenced Roman military organization and tactics, contributing to the development of the Roman legion.

Conclusion:

Ancient Greek infantry, from the heavily armed hoplites to the versatile Hellenistic units, played a crucial role in the success and defense of Greek city-states and later Hellenistic kingdoms. Their evolving tactics, equipment, and battlefield roles reflect the innovations and adaptability of Greek military practices. The legacy of Greek infantry, embodied in the heroic ideals of the hoplite and the strategic innovations of the Hellenistic period, continues to influence military history and culture.

Sources

Greek Warfare