![]() I will transmit my fatherland not diminished but greater and better than before. I will fight for things sacred and things profane. I will not disgrace my sacred arms nor desert my comrade, wherever I am stationed. In the case of Athens, the oath was taken in the Temple of Aglauros, and the (preserved) text is as follows – These adults gathered at one place after their birth records and census were cross-checked – an occasion that took place at the start of every year, which in most ancient Greek calendars was just after the passing of summer.Īnd on clearing these official requirements, they were asked to dress in the full war panoply and then utter an oath. The road to maturity for males of most Greek city-states started with military training after the passing of his 18th year (Spartans had a different military system, as discussed here). And it should be noted that as a general rule, most adult males of the Greek city-states were expected to perform military service. In essence, a hoplite was a citizen-soldier who took up arms to defend or expand the realm of his city-state. Such measures over time gave rise to the Greek hoplites, a class of warriors who were not really separate from the citizens themselves. In short, the tribe system (with ties of the citizenry, not blood) was a natural evolution of the Greek society and military that required disciplined formations and trained men for protracted warfare, a factor that was rarely encountered (beyond literature) in the previous ‘heroic ages’. This arrangement possibly took roots in the 7th century BC as a more immediate solution for organized warfare and defense. Simply put, the state probably organized its citizens and thus able-bodied men into tribes that had a purpose both census-wise and politically – as opposed to the conventional tribe that is primarily tied by blood relations. The so-called ‘tribe’ in Greek city-states was rather a politico-military evolution, contrary to what ‘tribal’ warfare suggests. As such, the term ‘hoplon’ was possibly mistakenly (or anachronistically) used by Diodorus Siculus, in the 1st century BC. However, modern studies have concluded that the shield was indeed called aspis (not hoplon) by ancient Greeks. So without further ado, let us check out some incredible historical insights you should know about the ancient Classical Greek hoplites (circa 5th – 4th century BC).įun Fact – The word ‘hoplite’ has been often ascribed as being derived from ‘hoplon’, the shield carried by these soldiers. So the hoplite soldier was expected to take part in battles to safeguard his own interests and holdings, as opposed to viewing the military as a well-paying career.Īnd while the ‘classic’ well-armored and trained Greek soldier was ultimately eclipsed by the more tactical Macedonian phalanx in the late 4th century BC, Greek hoplites (and their predecessors) had dominated the European battlefields for almost three centuries before that. Of course, unlike the man-at-arms of the late medieval period, the hoplite was first and foremost a citizen-soldier. If you didn’t find any for your taste and wish, please send us photo and description of the required model and we will make it for you.The Greek word for military equipment roughly translates to hopla, and thus a hoplite simply meant ‘man at arms’ or ‘armored man’. In section “Shields”, you can see all models that we offer for ordering. Flexible return system in case if you don’t like an item.Convenient payment systems (Paypal, Skrill, Visa, MasterCard, American Express). ![]() ![]() Product made by experienced blacksmiths, who really know how to make a good armor.Reliability and comfortable using for years.In options, you may choose another type of metal, finish treatment and decoration for your knight defense.īenefits, which you’ll get, if you buy medieval shield at Steel Mastery: Main photo shows authentic hoplite shield with following options: Shield of size 80*70 cm (32*28 inches).You can use this functional battle shield for: It has true cross-grips, put not in the center of shield and held by the left hand, with leather strap that is worn over the left forearm and elbow. Our model of Greek shield hoplon is in size of 80 cm (32 inches) at height and 70 cm (28 inches) in width. It is kept in Museo Gregoriano Etrusco, Vatican now.Īncient aspis shields were about 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) in diameter. It is also known as Bomarzo shield, named after the place where it was found in 1830 year. Vatican shield is the only one aspis which was survived to this day. Large concave shield was usually made of wood some models had also bronze cover. Together with sword and spear, such shield was an essential part of warrior’s armament. Hoplite shield (also known as hoplon or aspis) is a type of ancient shield, which was used by Ancient Greek soldiers called hoplites.
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