In ancient Greece in times predating 5th century B.C.E., the military/militias of Greece’s many city states were poorly trained and ill equipped. The soldiers were mostly part time and had nothing to indicate if they were soldiers and often weapons were makeshift. But soon thereafter, Sparta had amassed a force of full time and well trained soldiers that set the standard for all other militaries in Greece to match. As other city states followed Sparta, most armed themselves with many variations of the same basic principle, long spear augmented with a short sword and a shield. Also, archers accompanied the many infantry men. This armament made possible the iconic tactic, of which is studied hours upon ended by historians, scholars, and generals alike. The tactic of having foot soldiers first bombard the enemy with multiple volleys of spears and then to fight the enemy at close quarters with their short swords along with many arrows aiding the foot soldiers. Used to devastating effect, this tactic won countless battles and was on of the defining factors in how Greece made expanded their empire to the far reaches of Asia Minor and Europe. Along with their phenomenal infantry, many city states also developed large navies. The trireme was a common warship which was extremely versatile, with the ability to transport troops to beaches for amphibious landings, block harbors, protect territories, and be a devastating battleship. The trireme being made out of wood and fitted with a bronze battering ram was extremely agile and its 170 rowers onboard could propel the ship to speeds up to nine knots. The primary tactic was for the warships to ram the enemy ships, but occasionally the archers and infantrymen onboard would board a ship. Lastly, a commander would align his ships in a long horizontal front to ensure that the enemy could not attack his ships on the stern, hence protecting them. For more information please click here. Comments are closed.
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AuthorHello, I am Jonathan author and editor of the Greco-Persian War Blog. The Greco-Persian War was a war fought between Persia and Greece, of which dictated boundaries of the two countries and possibility of one being taken over, forever just another piece of land in the others empire. Throughout my whole life I have been interested and avidly studied military history. Whether it is Egypt against the Hittites, Dark Ages, French Revolution, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, etc. I have studied them for hours on end. All influential wars which shaped our world today compel me to learn more and see what information lies beyond the surface. I am eager to post more and learn more about the Battle of the Marathon, Ionian Revolt, tactics, and how certain weapons and certain means of transport were put to use. ArchivesCategories |