Ancient Greece

🗡️Ancient Greece Unit 12 – Ancient Greek Warfare

Ancient Greek warfare shaped the classical world, from the rise of city-states to the conquests of Alexander the Great. Hoplites, phalanxes, and triremes defined Greek military might, while battles like Marathon and Thermopylae became legendary. Greek military innovations influenced art, literature, and philosophy. The Spartan ethos of discipline and the Athenian naval empire left lasting legacies. Roman tactics and modern strategy still draw inspiration from Ancient Greek warfare.

Key Concepts and Terminology

  • Hoplite heavily armed infantry soldier in Ancient Greece equipped with spear, shield, and armor
    • Phalanx tight formation of hoplites standing shoulder-to-shoulder in ranks
  • Trireme warship with three banks of oars on each side, primary naval vessel of Ancient Greece
  • Peltast light infantry soldier armed with javelins and a small shield
  • Sarissa long pike used by Macedonian phalanx under Philip II and Alexander the Great
  • Othismos pushing match between opposing phalanxes to break the enemy's formation
  • Kopis single-edged curved sword used for slashing attacks
  • Hoplon large round shield carried by hoplites, approximately 1 meter in diameter

Historical Context and Timeline

  • Archaic Period (800-480 BCE) emergence of city-states (poleis) and development of hoplite warfare
  • Persian Wars (499-449 BCE) conflicts between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire
    • Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) Athenian victory over the Persians
    • Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE) Spartan-led resistance against the Persians
    • Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) decisive Greek naval victory over the Persians
  • Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) conflict between Athens and Sparta for dominance in Greece
  • Rise of Macedon under Philip II (359-336 BCE) and Alexander the Great (336-323 BCE)
    • Battle of Chaeronea (338 BCE) Philip II's victory over Athens and Thebes
    • Alexander's conquests (334-323 BCE) expansion of the Macedonian Empire

Military Organization and Structure

  • City-states (poleis) primary political units in Ancient Greece, each with its own military
  • Hoplites formed the backbone of Greek armies, drawn from the citizen body
    • Hoplites were expected to provide their own equipment (shield, spear, armor)
  • Armies organized into tribes or regiments based on geographic origin or social class
  • Spartan military known for its discipline, training, and devotion to the state
    • Agoge rigorous military training system for Spartan boys starting at age 7
  • Athenian military relied on a combination of hoplites and a strong navy
  • Macedonian army under Philip II and Alexander the Great incorporated diverse units
    • Companion Cavalry elite horsemen serving as shock troops
    • Hypaspists elite infantry units armed with shorter spears and swords

Weapons and Armor

  • Dory primary thrusting spear used by hoplites, typically 2-3 meters long
  • Xiphos short sword used as a secondary weapon for close combat
  • Linothorax linen armor worn by hoplites, lighter than bronze breastplates
  • Bronze greaves shin guards protecting the lower legs
  • Corinthian helmet bronze helmet covering the entire head and neck, with slits for eyes and mouth
  • Aspis (hoplon) large round shield made of wood and bronze, with a central arm grip
  • Javelin light throwing spear used by peltasts and other light infantry
  • Gastraphetes ancient Greek crossbow used for long-range attacks

Battle Tactics and Strategies

  • Phalanx formation primary tactic used by hoplites, relying on cohesion and discipline
    • Hoplites would advance in a tight formation, presenting a wall of shields and spears
    • Goal was to break the enemy's formation through othismos (pushing match)
  • Flanking attacks attempting to attack the enemy's sides or rear, where they were more vulnerable
  • Feigned retreats pretending to flee to draw the enemy out of formation, then counterattacking
  • Combined arms tactics using a mix of infantry, cavalry, and light troops for flexibility
  • Siege warfare attacking fortified cities or strongholds using siege engines and blockades
  • Naval warfare ramming and boarding enemy ships using triremes and other warships
    • Diekplous outflanking maneuver in which a ship would break through the enemy's line

Famous Battles and Campaigns

  • Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) Athenian hoplites defeated a larger Persian force
    • Pheidippides legendary run from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory
  • Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE) Spartan-led force held off a massive Persian army in a narrow pass
    • King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought to the death
  • Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) Greek fleet defeated the Persians in a narrow strait
    • Themistocles' strategy of drawing the Persians into the strait proved decisive
  • Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE) Athenian attempt to conquer Sicily during the Peloponnesian War
    • Ended in a disastrous defeat for Athens, weakening its military and morale
  • Alexander's campaigns (334-323 BCE) conquered the Persian Empire and beyond
    • Battle of Issus (333 BCE) Alexander defeated Darius III of Persia
    • Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE) decisive victory over the Persians, leading to the fall of the empire

Cultural Impact and Legacy

  • Greek warfare had a significant impact on art, literature, and philosophy
    • Homer's Iliad and Odyssey epic poems celebrating heroic warriors and their deeds
    • Herodotus and Thucydides early historians who chronicled wars and battles
  • Spartan military culture admired for its discipline, austerity, and valor
    • "Come back with your shield, or on it" famous Spartan saying emphasizing bravery
  • Athenian naval power allowed for the growth of a maritime empire and cultural flourishing
  • Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek culture (Hellenization) across the known world
  • Roman military heavily influenced by Greek warfare, adopting similar tactics and equipment
  • Modern military strategists continue to study and draw lessons from Ancient Greek warfare
    • Phalanx formation echoed in later infantry tactics (pike and shot, bayonet charges)

Key Figures and Leaders

  • Leonidas Spartan king who led the famous 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae
  • Themistocles Athenian statesman and general, mastermind of the victory at Salamis
  • Pericles Athenian statesman who led Athens during its Golden Age and the early Peloponnesian War
  • Alcibiades controversial Athenian general and politician, known for his military prowess and political intrigues
  • Lysander Spartan admiral who played a key role in the final victory over Athens in the Peloponnesian War
  • Epaminondas Theban general who broke Spartan power at the Battle of Leuctra (371 BCE)
  • Philip II of Macedon king who transformed Macedonia into a dominant military power
    • Introduced the Macedonian phalanx and other military innovations
  • Alexander the Great Philip's son, one of history's most successful military commanders
    • Conquered the Persian Empire and beyond, creating a vast Hellenistic world


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.