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Questions and Answers
In the ancient Greek world, warfare was considered unnecessary by the Greeks.
In the ancient Greek world, warfare was considered unnecessary by the Greeks.
False
City militias in ancient Greece were composed of full-time soldiers.
City militias in ancient Greece were composed of full-time soldiers.
False
Generals in ancient Greek warfare were not accountable for their actions.
Generals in ancient Greek warfare were not accountable for their actions.
False
Soldiers in the Archaic period of Greek Warfare were usually unpaid.
Soldiers in the Archaic period of Greek Warfare were usually unpaid.
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Insignia and uniforms were commonly used by soldiers in ancient Greek warfare.
Insignia and uniforms were commonly used by soldiers in ancient Greek warfare.
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The Spartans were known for their well-trained part-time army.
The Spartans were known for their well-trained part-time army.
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The mainstay of any Greek army was the archer.
The mainstay of any Greek army was the archer.
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The Spartan army usually consisted of three lochoi.
The Spartan army usually consisted of three lochoi.
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Cavalry was extensively used in ancient Greece due to the flat terrain.
Cavalry was extensively used in ancient Greece due to the flat terrain.
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Units in ancient Greek armies could operate independently without any coordination.
Units in ancient Greek armies could operate independently without any coordination.
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Study Notes
Ancient Greek Warfare
- Warfare was seen as a necessary evil in ancient Greece, with various motives such as territorial expansion, war booty, revenge, honour, and defence of liberty driving conflicts.
- City-states often engaged in warfare, both at home and abroad, with periods of peace and friendly alliances occasionally punctuating the violence.
- The evolution of warfare moved from armed bands led by warrior leaders to city militia of part-time soldiers, providing their own equipment and including all citizens of the city-state.
Development of Warfare
- By the 5th century BCE, Sparta's professional and well-trained full-time army became a model for other states to follow.
- Armies became more cosmopolitan, including resident foreigners, slaves, mercenaries, and neighbouring allies.
- Warfare shifted from one-off battles to long-drawn-out conflicts, such as the Persian Wars, Peloponnesian Wars, and Corinthian Wars.
The Hoplite
- The mainstay of any Greek army was the hoplite, equipped with a long spear, short sword, and circular bronze shield.
- The hoplite wore a full panoply, including a bronze helmet, breastplate, greaves, and ankle guards if he could afford it.
- Fighting was close-quarters, bloody, and lethal, providing opportunities for warriors to display their manliness and excellence.
Evolution of Warfare
- The hoplite came to wear lighter armour, such as a leather or laminated linen corselet and open-faced helmet, for greater mobility.
- Peltast warriors, armed with short javelins and lighter armour, became a mobile threat to hoplites.
- Lighter-armed troops, including javelin throwers, archers, and slingers, challenged hoplite dominance on the battlefield.
- Cavalry was deployed, but only in limited numbers due to high costs and difficult terrain.
The Phalanx
- The phalanx was a line of well-armed and well-armoured hoplite soldiers, usually 8-12 men deep, which attacked as a tight group.
- Armies became more structured, with separate units and hierarchies of command.
Organization of Armies
- In Athens, the lochos was led by a captain, and combined to form one of ten regiments each led by a taxiarchos.
- In 5th-century BCE Sparta, the basic element was the enomotiai (platoon) of 32 men, with four enomotiai making up a lochos (regiment) of 512 men.
- Units might be divided by age or speciality in weaponry, operating independently in response to signals mid-battle.
Naval Warfare
- States such as Athens, Aegina, Corinth, and Rhodes amassed fleets of warships, including triremes, for trading partnerships, troop deployment, and amphibious landings.
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Description
Explore the nature of warfare in ancient Greece, including small skirmishes, city-sieges, large-scale battles, and motives such as territorial expansion, war booty, revenge, and honor. Learn about the rewards and costs of war in the ancient Greek world.
