HOPLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece, particularly prominent in the city-states of Athens and Sparta during the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. In Greek, the term "hoplites" comes from the word "hoplon," which refers to the primary item of their equipment, the large circular shield known as a "hoplon."
Hoplites were primarily citizens of their respective city-state, resembling a citizen army rather than professional soldiers. They were usually drawn from the middle and upper classes, as they had to purchase their own weapons and armor. These soldiers formed the phalanx formation, a tightly-packed rectangular formation, where they would align themselves in close ranks, shields overlapping, to create a solid wall of protection.
The hoplites' main weapon was the thrusting spear, known as a "doru." They would also carry a short sword known as a "xiphos" for close combat situations. Their hoplon shield, made of wood covered with bronze, was used for both individual defense and collective protection. The shield wall provided an excellent defensive mechanism, providing a barrier against enemy attacks from the front while projecting power and solidarity.
Hoplites played a crucial role in Greek warfare, often serving as the backbone of the army. Their disciplined fighting style and reliance on the phalanx formation made them formidable opponents and allowed city-states like Athens and Sparta to expand their influence. However, as warfare evolved, the hoplites gradually lost their significance by the 4th century BCE due to changes in tactics and the emergence of more professional armies.
Etymology of HOPLITES
The word "hoplites" comes from the ancient Greek word "hoplon" (ὅπλον), which means "weapon" or "shield". Hoplites were heavily armed infantry soldiers in ancient Greece who were known for their use of a large, round shield called a hoplon, thus giving rise to their name.
