Hoplites (HOP-lytes) (Ancient Greek: ὁπλίτης) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation to be effective in war with fewer soldiers.
Freebase (1.00 / 1 vote) Rate this definition:.HopliteHoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Their main tactic was the phalanx formation. They were primarily free citizens—propertied farmers and artisans—who were able to afford the bronze armor suit and weapons. Hoplites generally received basic military training.In 700 BC, a new military innovation called the phalanx formation was introduced. This new tactic proved to be a success during the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC and the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, when the Greeks defeated the Persians.
The Persian archers and light troops who had fought in the Battle of Marathon failed when their bows were too weak and incapable of penetrating the Greek shields, and their own armour and shields could not stand up to the heavy armour of the Greeks.The word 'hoplite' derives from 'hoplon', the type of the shield used by the soldiers, although, as a word, 'hopla' could also denote the weapons held or even full armament. In later usage, the term hoplite is used to denote any armored infantry such as the Swiss mercenaries during the Burgundian Wars. Gears 5 collectibles.
Hoplite Greek vase painting showing a hoplite warrior. Ancient Art & Architecture Collection Ltd/AlamyFrom then on, the compactness and weight of the massed hoplite breaking through enemy ranks won battles, not the individual brilliance of aristocratic champions. The normal depth of the line was eight ranks, but the Thebans in the 4th century were known to concentrate 50 ranks in one flank.While the phalanx formation was unwieldy, the equipment heavy, and pursuit difficult, Greek hoplites were the best fighters in the Mediterranean world and in great demand as mercenaries in,.