HOPLITE Meaning and
Definition
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A hoplite is a term derived from ancient Greece and refers to a heavily armed foot soldier that played a crucial role in Greek warfare during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. As the dominant infantry in most Greek city-states, hoplites formed the backbone of the Greek army, epitomizing a citizen-soldier and representing the essence of Greek warfare and societal values.
Equipped with a round shield (hoplon), spear (dory), and a short sword, hoplites were distinguished by their distinctive bronze breastplate (cuirass), greaves (leg armor), and Corinthian helmet. This standardized armor provided essential protection against enemy blows, allowing hoplites to form a cohesive and impenetrable phalanx formation. This formation, characterized by a line of tightly-packed hoplites with their overlapping shields, granted them collective strength and ensured their success in battle.
Being prevalent across Greek city-states, hoplites were not professional soldiers but free male citizens, who were required to procure their own armor and weapons. As citizen-soldiers, hoplites emerged as a symbol of civic duty and patriotism, defending their city-state against external threats and participating in military campaigns as required by their polis (city-state).
Hoplite warfare had significant political and social implications. Military success and prowess in battle carried immense prestige and status, granting hoplites influence and political power within their city-state. Additionally, the organized nature of hoplite warfare contributed to social cohesion and a sense of identity within Greek society.
Despite their prominence in classical Greece, hoplites began to decline with the rise of Macedonia and the introduction of innovative military tactics, such as the phalanx formations of the ancient Macedonian army and the later emergence of professional soldiers. However,
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A heavy armed soldier of anc. Greece.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HOPLITE
- goplite
- boplite
- noplite
- joplite
- uoplite
- yoplite
- hiplite
- hkplite
- hlplite
- hpplite
- h0plite
- h9plite
- hoolite
- hollite
- ho-lite
- ho0lite
- hopkite
- hoppite
- hopoite
- hopliyte
Etymology of HOPLITE
The word "Hoplite" comes from the ancient Greek word "hoplites" (ὁπλίτης), which referred to a heavily armed infantryman in ancient Greece. The term originated from the Greek word "hoplon" (ὅπλον), meaning "arms" or "equipment". A hoplite was known for his use of the hoplon, a large round shield, which became the most iconic part of their armament. The term "Hoplite" has been widely used in modern times to refer to these Greek warriors.
Similar spelling words for HOPLITE
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