hoplieten

Hoplieten were citizen-soldiers of ancient Greek city-states who formed the core of infantry forces from the early Iron Age through the classical period. They fought in the phalanx, a dense rectangular formation in which shielded soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and their hoplons overlapped to create a protective wall. Participation was generally tied to citizenship and the ability to equip oneself, making hoplites a key example of citizen-mueh militia rather than professional soldiers in many poleis.

The typical hoplite carried a large round shield called a hoplon, a long spear (the dory), and a short sword for close combat. Armor varied by era and city: some wore heavy bronze or linen cuirasses, bronze helmets (often of the Corinthian style) with cheek guards, and greaves to protect the legs, though some units fought with lighter gear. The shield itself weighed several kilograms and provided both protection and a moving shield wall. Training emphasized discipline, drill, and cohesive movement; success depended on the unit’s ability to maintain formation under pressure.

Hoplites were especially associated with city-states such as Athens and Sparta, where military service reinforced civic identity. They dominated Greek land warfare during the classical period, delivering a distinctive, highly synchronized fighting style grounded in collective action rather than individual prowess. The rise of the Macedonian phalanx, with longer spears and increasingly professional troops, contributed to the gradual decline of traditional hoplite warfare by the late classical era.