Ancient Greek warfare, as depicted in the Iliad, focuses on the exploits of individual heroes such as Achilles and Ajax. The ordinary soldiers take second place in the narrative. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC the armies ? fielded by the Greekcity states against each other and against the invading Persians were characterised by the phalanx of hoplites: citizen soldiers, who paid for their own equipment. They were briefly drilled before a campaign but were in no way a professional army: the exception being Sparta. These armies were commanded by a "king" or a general. A small number of light infantry and cavalry also existed, usually stationed on the wings. The battle itself was generally decided by the discipline and the bravery of the hoplites and their general.
展开▼
