Hoplites: The Classical Greek Battle Experience

Incorporating research from ancient literary, iconographic, epigraphic, and archaeological sources, this one-of-a-kind book explores the experiences of the Hoplites, soldiers who conducted battle on the small plains of Ancient Greece. The nine contributors to Hoplites–both British and American scholars–discuss the pragmatic concerns of Greek infantrymen, covering everything from the mechanics of phalanx advance to the proper procedures for the dedication of spoils. The contributors also examine the techniques of fighting, the use of commands, music in warfare, the use of "dog tags," as well as the role of ritual sacrifice on the battlefield.

The nine contributors to Hoplites–both British and American scholars–discuss the pragmatic concerns of Greek infantrymen, covering everything from the mechanics of phalanx advance to the proper procedures for the dedication of spoils. The contributors also examine the techniques of fighting, the use of commands, music in warfare, the use of "dog tags," as well as the role of ritual sacrifice on the battlefield.

"…the first scholarly approach we have had to what actually happened in a major battle between Greek city-states in classical times."

". . . indispensable for any serious student of Greek warfare or Greek society. . . . readily accessible to a wide audience."