STORM OF SPEARS, A: Understanding the Greek Hoplite in Action

2-199470

This reassessment of ancient warfare of the phalanx of heavily armored spearmen, or hoplites, combines analysis of the literary and archaeological evidence with the new disciplines of reconstructive archaeology, re-enactment, and ballistic science. It focuses on the details of the equipment, tactics, and capabilities of the individual hoplites.

These findings are supported by practical testing with his own replica hoplite panoply and the experiences of a group of dedicated re-enactors. He also tackles such questions as the protective properties of hoplite shields and armor and the much-vexed debate on the exact nature of the 'othismos' -- the climax of phalanx-on-phalanx clashes.