The fight between two phalanges assumed to be like a collision in which the first phalanx row pushing with the shields (“othismos”, also with the support, physical and psychological, of the other rows) and using their spears (“doratismos”) to kill the men of the opposite front, tried to break-up the formation of the enemy phalanx.Ī critical report about this theory: Phalanx against Phalanx (automatic Russian to English translation). Initially the phalanx moved slowly, then moving fast ( ephodos) trying to keep the formation. Probably 8 rows of warriors on the average but also a Phalanx depth of 40 or more was reported. The first row probably with young strong warriors, the older or weaker in the back rows. One common theory considers the Phalanx as a human battering-ram. Usually scholars try to interpret the ancient sources, fragments of texts of various ancient authors or pottery decorations. There is a debate how the phalanx was used. Finger, anatomically the bones of the toes and fingers ) (soldiers in close order), refers to the soldiers’ spears thrusting out from the main body like fingers from a palm. ' Apo Doratos Anapidan', 'from the spear jumping on a horse' Light-armed warriors were called gumnites i.e naked. Some Images of Greek Armor from the German Museum in Karlsruhe (Shields, Helmets, Spears.)

Some other commands: ta dorata epi ton dexion omon ehein (keep the spears at rest on the right shoulder) and ta dorata eis probolin kathentas (lowering the spears for the charge) The spear carried in the right hand (from which the epi dori ie to the right is derived). dorata), 2 versions used by the hoplites one to be hurled the other for hand to hand fight. To pierce armed bodies with their long ash spears. Their hair grown long behind, warrior spearmen,įilled with fierce desire to tear apart their enemies, These swift Abantes came with Elephenor, Men from the steep fortress Dium, Carystus, and Styra.

Who live to breathe war's fury, soldiers from Euboea,Ĭhalcis, Eretria, wine-rich Histiaea, Cerinthus by the sea, Great-hearted leader, commanded the Abantes, Probably not used often even if shown in many pottery images.Įlephenor, offspring of Ares, son of Chalcodon, The helmet was decorated on the top with a crest of horsehair that looks like a brush.

In a period of 2 centuries an estimated number of 100000 helmets have been dedicated only in Olympia.Ī warrior with a Corinthian Helmet and a Boetian Shield. George Grote, Sicily during the despotism of the Elder Dionysius at Syracuse. Metal was expensive and therefore only a thin metal coating was used for the shields but : We are told that the shields fabricated (only in Syracuse) during this season (399-398 BC) of assiduous preparation were not less than 140000 in number, and the breast plates 14000, many of them unrivalled in workmanship, destined for the body-guard and the officers. Actually it shows the god Hephaestus with three Cyclopes producing armorīronze inscribed Spartan shield, a trophy taken by the Athenians after their victory over the Spartans in the battle of Sphacteria, 425 BCĪchilles with a shield with additional protection for the legs, 480 BC Triptolemos Painter

Hoplite shield artifact