hoplite (in ancient Greek /hoplítês, /hóplon "weapon"; the French h is not "aspirated") is a heavily armed soldier, as opposed to (gumnếs, Frenchized as gymnète) and ψιλός (psilós), armed slightly.
A hoplite carries:
* a helmet (κράνος / krános)
* a breastplate (θώραξ / thốrax)
* cnemids (κνημῖδες / knêmĩdes)
* a shield (ἀσπίς / aspís)
* a spear (δόρυ / dóry)
* a sword (ξίφος / xíphos)
The total weight of the equipment is around 35 kg.
Hoplites are the heavy infantry of ancient Greek cities, made up of citizens who could not support a horse, but who had the means to equip themselves with armor and provide for their families when they were campaigning.
History
The hoplites fought in a phalanx, a formation which spread throughout Greece probably from 700 to 650 BC. This traditional dating is based on a passage from Aristotle's Politics evoking the replacement of mounted combatants by the hoplite phalanx. It also relies on the lack of description of mass combat in Homer. However, the Iliad describes many confrontations of a hoplitic nature:should the passages be considered as interpolated? It is certain that evolutions took place at this time in the armament. The cuirass has been modified, the shield has been added a second strap, allowing a better grip. However, some of these improvements date back to the 8th century BC. J.-C.:thus, the tomb containing the "armour of Argos" is dated 720.
Graphic representations of war, for example on geometric ceramics, are not necessarily conclusive:the representation of duels also results from a convention symbolizing an entire battle as the confrontation of a few. Conversely, the Vase with Warriors from Mycenae, dated 1120, shows lines of heavy infantry armed with round, notched shields, and wearing breastplates of leather and metal.
The passage from Aristotle is therefore undoubtedly more revealing of a political evolution that took place in the cities of the 7th century BC. Indeed, the incorporation of non-nobles into the hoplites, and the regular training required to be able to perform maneuvers in formation, gave the middle class a sense of cohesion which had important political consequences:the knights, Hippeis (Ἱππείς), lost their prestige and the hoplites, now playing a decisive role in the battles, demanded a greater role in the government. Since this social class now participates in the defense of the city, it logically has the floor when it comes to going to war. Moreover, the solidarity born during battles and campaigns continues during political debates. It also acquires it for other areas of political life in democratic cities.
Hoplite armor spread to Etruria and Rome towards the end of the 7th century BC. AD