Greek Hoplite 480-323 BC (Bloomsbury Publishing)

A study of the Greek Hoplite in the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greek civilization, from the victory at Marathon over Darius of Persia, through bitter inter-state warfare, to the rise of Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great. It was during this Classical period that the state began to play an important role in military organization, taking responsibility for arming and equipping its citizens. Yet Hoplites also fought as mercenaries too, at the behest of their paymasters. The volume contains ten colour plates that seek to bring the Greek warrior of this period to life, covering his weapons, armour, shield and helmets, and how he was recruited, trained and fought.