HOPLITE STORIES

Modern discussions of Greek warfare traditionally focus on the technological impact of hoplite shields and their importance for the phalanx formation. Relatively little emphasis is placed on the shields as private, custom-made objects. Looking at shields as personal items offers fascinating clues about the individual experience of combat and the mindset of Greek warriors.

Cezary Kucewicz

There are fewer images more evocative of ancient warfare than the Greek hoplite. Named after their military equipment (hoplon), hoplites formed the backbone of Greek citizen militias in the Archaic and Classical eras (ca. 750–323 BC). Their longevity on the battlefield has been ascribed to their panoply, purchased by the hoplites themselves and often adorned with elaborate decorations. The best-known decorative element was the shield blazon, frequently featuring images of animals or mythical monsters, or the symbol or first letter of the warrior’s polis (e.g. Heracles’ club for Thebans; Λ for Lacedaemonians). It is less commonly known that many shields were also decorated on their obverse side, with small images placed on bands attached inside the shield. Found mostly in the Peloponnese and dating to the Archaic era, decorated shield-bands…

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Ancient Warfare (Digital) - 1 Issue, AW XVIII.1

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