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#ANCIENT GREECE HOPLITE SHIELD FULL#
A warrior in full hoplite armor was expected to carry around 20 kilograms (44 pounds) in weight, and as a result they had to be extremely physically fit. Armguards were sometimes worn, and as hoplite armor developed the breastplate was reduced in weight and transformed into a laminated linen vest called a linothorax.
![ancient greece hoplite shield ancient greece hoplite shield](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/68/9e/99689e7d90cfaa503972a9f3694a0a82.jpg)
On his chest the hoplite wore a breastplate, a thorax, made of bronze or leather, and to protect his legs and shins he used bronze greaves named knemides. The shields would often feature various designs and emblems on the front, such as the Gorgon from Greek mythology or an inverted V-shape which was characteristic of the Spartans.įor protection, the hoplite was fitted with a bronze helmet to safeguard the head, neck, and face, which was lined with leather, and crested with a diverse array of styles. It was made of wood and paneled with bronze, with hoplite soldiers holding a strap called an antilabe located on the edge of the shield and their arm set in place through a central band called a porpax.
![ancient greece hoplite shield ancient greece hoplite shield](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/79/2a/9d/792a9d511626aacc301d7fff9c5120a0.jpg)
In his other hand, the hoplite brandished a large round shield known variously as a hoplon or an aspis, which could be 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) in diameter and weighed up to 8 kilograms (18 pounds). (Staatliche Antikensammlungen / Public domain ) The hoplite phalanx is a frequent subject in ancient Greek art.
#ANCIENT GREECE HOPLITE SHIELD PROFESSIONAL#
With the exception of Sparta, which had a permanent professional army, ancient Greek civilizations only called up soldiers when absolutely necessary. Hoplite comes from the Greek word “ ta hopla ,” which means “tool” or “equipment,” and was the name given to legions of citizen soldiers who were tasked with protecting their territories from outside challengers.