Ancient Greek Weapons and Warfare

Questions and Answers

What geographical features characterize Greece?

Large forests

Deserts

Flat plains

Mountainous terrain (correct)

What are the primary crops grown in ancient Greece?

Wheat, barley, olives, and grapes.

Why did city-states develop in ancient Greece?

Flat terrain allowed for easy travel

Mountains made land travel difficult (correct)

There were no resources to share

One powerful capital ruled all

When did the Mycenaean civilization dominate the Greek countryside?

c. 1350-1200 BC. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main components of a Mycenaean infantryman?

A spear, a large body shield, a helmet, and a thrusting sword. Signup and view all the answers

What marks the Hoplite warfare in the Classical Age?

Use of full panoply with a long spear, short sword, and circular bronze shield. Signup and view all the answers

A phalanx is a line/group of well-armed hoplite soldiers usually to men deep.

eight; twelve Signup and view all the answers

Who laid the foundations for Alexander's army?

Philip II. Signup and view all the answers

What was the defining weapon of Alexander's army?

Sarissa. Signup and view all the answers

Hoplite warfare was characterized by heavily armored infantrymen fighting in open formation.

False Signup and view all the answers

How were soldiers trained during the Archaic period?

Training was haphazard and weapons could be makeshift. Signup and view all the answers

What influence did Sparta have on military training in the 5th century BC?

Provided a model for professional and well-trained armies. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in warfare during ancient Greece?

Warfare moved to long-drawn-out conflicts lasting for years. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geography of Greece

Greece is a mountainous nation, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with over 1400 islands.
Features mild winters and long, hot, dry summers, supporting a seafaring lifestyle.
Traded extensively with Mediterranean countries; cities established colonies overseas.
City-states were concentrated in a southern peninsula, with only 20% of the rocky land suitable for farming, relying on imports for staple crops.

Formation of City-States

Independent city-states arose due to difficult land travel caused by mountains, promoting local power centers.
Greek cities developed across regions including the Black Sea, North Africa, and southern Europe.
Greek aristocracy vigorously defended the political independence of their respective city-states.

Hoplite Warfare - Mycenaean Era

Mycenaean period (c. 1350-1200 BC) marked by heavily fortified citadels with limited access.
Mycenae and Argos dominated Greek mainland until their decline around 1100 BC.
Infantryman relied on a spear, large shield, helmet, and a thrusting sword.
'Dendra' armor consisted of bronze plates, offering significant close-quarters protection.

Hoplite Warfare - Classical Age

Classical period (c. 510-323 BC) saw hoplites equipped with long spears, short swords, and bronze shields.
Close-quarter combat emphasized bravery (Andreia) and excellence (aretē).
Lighter armor such as leather became popular for greater mobility.
Emergence of various troop types, including javelin throwers and cavalry, posed threats to traditional hoplites.

Phalanx Formation

The phalanx was a tight formation of hoplite soldiers, typically eight to twelve men deep, emphasizing coordinated attacks.

Alexander's Army

Under Philip II, Alexander transformed a weak, undisciplined army into an effective military force.
Heavy cavalry served as a decisive strike force, while the sarissa, a long pike, was a key weapon.
Utilized phalanx tactics and combined arms strategy, never losing a battle.

Nature of Hoplite Warfare

Heavily armored hoplites fought in formation, using their shields to cover themselves and neighboring soldiers.
Cohesion and protection were crucial to maintaining formation during battle.

Training in the Archaic Period

Early military training was inconsistent, with soldiers often using makeshift weapons.
Soldiers received some pay to support their needs; no uniforms were standard.
Transition back to agricultural work occurred quickly after conflicts ended.

Training from the 5th Century Onwards

Sparta's military prowess set a benchmark, influencing other states.
Professional armies emerged, characterized by red cloaks and shields marked with 'lambda' for Lacedaemonians.
Other city-states began to establish small professional forces to support larger citizen armies, including diverse recruits.

Evolution of Warfare

Warfare shifted from quick battles to protracted conflicts, notably exemplified by the Persian Wars.
Long campaigns became more common, changing the nature of Greek military engagements.

Description

Explore the geography of Greece and its impact on ancient warfare through these engaging flashcards. Learn about the mountainous terrain, the extensive coastline, and how these features influenced the seafaring culture and military strategies of the Ancient Greeks. Dive into the world of city-states, trade, and colonization.