peltast
The peltast was a type of light infantry in ancient Greece. They were characterized by their distinctive light armor and their primary weapon, the javelin, or *akontion*. Unlike heavily armored hoplites who fought in phalanx formation, peltasts were skirmishers. Their agility and maneuverability allowed them to harass enemy formations, disrupt their lines, and then retreat before being engaged in close combat.
The name "peltast" is derived from the *pelta*, a small, often crescent-shaped shield that they carried. This
Peltasts were often recruited from less affluent segments of society or from border regions. They could be