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Hoplites were heavily armed infantry soldiers in ancient Greek city-states, known for their distinctive bronze helmets, shields, and spears. They formed the backbone of Greek armies and fought in close formation known as a phalanx. Hoplites played a crucial role in shaping Greek warfare and society during the classical period.
A falangi is a term that refers to a group of ancient Macedonian infantry soldiers who fought in a phalanx formation. The phalanx was a military formation where soldiers stood close together, overlapping their shields and using long spears to attack the enemy.
Attacks by Hoplite infantry formations presented a dangerous battlefield situation for the ancient Persians. In situations where the Persians were relying on their light infantry, it became a challenge to defeat the hoplite heavy infantry attacks. One method was to establish an aray of archers some distance from a hopelite formation. Far enough away to prevent a spear attack, but close enough for archery arrows. With their light cavalry, the Persians would attack each flank of the hoplite formation. The cavalry attacks would force the hoplite formation to stop its march and defend each side of their formation. This allowed the large Persian archery force to shower the immobilized and distracted hopelites. The combined counter offensive of the Persians, the archers and the light cavalry would defeat the hoplite army.
The Infantry, through the use of fire and maneuver, close with and kill the enemy to achieve an objective.
Phalangeal from the word Phalanx, which was a group of heavily armed ancient Greek infantry formed in ranks and files, close and deep, with shields joined and spears overlapping
Flat land allowed it to keep close formation and change its frontal direction easily, however that also favoured enemy cavalry, so the phalanx needed its own cavalry support to protect it, and also th stop enemy light infantry from attacking from all sides.
No, an oarsman is not the meaning of hoplites. Hoplites were ancient Greek soldiers known for their heavy infantry tactics and distinctive armor, including a shield (hoplon) and spear. They fought in a phalanx formation, emphasizing close combat and teamwork. In contrast, oarsmen refer to rowers, typically associated with naval vessels rather than land-based military roles.
Greek armies primarily utilized the phalanx formation, a tactical approach where heavily armed infantry soldiers, known as hoplites, stood shoulder to shoulder in a dense line. Each soldier carried a large shield and a spear, creating a formidable wall of protection and offensive capability. This method emphasized discipline, cohesion, and the collective strength of the unit, allowing them to effectively engage and overpower their enemies in close combat. Additionally, Greek forces sometimes employed cavalry and skirmishers to complement the phalanx in battle.
Saxon armies during the early medieval period were typically composed of infantry, featuring a mix of well-armed warriors and lighter troops. Soldiers commonly donned chainmail or leather armor, wielding weapons such as swords, axes, and spears, while shields often bore distinctive designs. The armies were organized into units known as "fyrd," which included local militia and were characterized by their tribal affiliations. Their tactics emphasized close combat and the use of formations to maximize the effectiveness of their warriors in battle.
Before Roman armies were close enough for hand to hand combat with an enemy army, they had what is called a "first use weapon". For the Romans this would be the javelin or spear. It was thrown into the enemy ranks. For example other first use weapons of other ancient armies such as soldiers in the Persian empire was the bow and arrow.
The ancient Romans kept expanding their empire, at least well up into England, if not Scotland. To defeat the people already living in land that they wanted, their large armies could defeat nearly any opposing army. For the Roman armies of marching men, horse-riding leaders and especially chariot soldiers, roads were a necessity not only for the armies to get to, or at least close to the fighting, but also to enable movement of the large amount of non-soldier traffic needed to supply the soldiers. The roads also enabled message runners to run faster to deliver their messages.
Put the detainees in close-column formation.