When we think of ancient Greek soldiers, we often imagine them carrying a shield. The shield was an important part of a soldier's equipment, as it provided protection in battle. But what exactly were these shields like? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the soldiers in ancient Greece and their shields.

The Hoplite

The most famous kind of soldier in ancient Greece was the hoplite. Hoplites were heavily armored soldiers who fought in a formation called a phalanx. Each hoplite carried a shield, which was called an aspis. The aspis was round and made of wood, with a bronze covering on the outside.

The aspis was about three feet in diameter, which was just the right size to protect the soldier's body. The hoplite held the shield with his left arm and used it to cover his body and his neighbor's body in the phalanx. The aspis was also used as a weapon, as the hoplite could push it against his enemy to knock him down.

The Spartan Shield

The Spartans were a famous group of soldiers in ancient Greece, known for their discipline and bravery. They had their own kind of shield, which was called a hoplon. The hoplon was round and made of wood, covered with a layer of bronze.

What made the hoplon unique was its shape. It was not perfectly round, but had a dip in the top. This allowed the soldier to rest the shield on his shoulder, which made it easier to carry. The hoplon was also used as a weapon, as the Spartan soldier could use it to bash his enemy.

The Thracian Shield

The Thracians were a group of people who lived in what is now Bulgaria and Romania. They were known for their fierce warriors, who carried a unique kind of shield. The Thracian shield was rectangular in shape, with a curved top and bottom.

The shield was made of wood, covered with leather and decorated with bronze. It was about three feet tall and two feet wide, which made it easy to carry. The Thracian soldier held the shield with his left arm and used it to cover his body. He also carried a long spear, which he used to attack his enemy.

The Peltast Shield

The peltasts were a group of light infantry soldiers in ancient Greece. They were known for their speed and agility, and they carried a unique kind of shield. The peltast shield was called a pelte, and it was small and crescent-shaped.

The pelte was made of leather, and it was about two feet in diameter. The peltast held the shield with his left arm and used it to protect his body. The pelte was also used as a weapon, as the peltast could throw it at his enemy to distract him.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, the shield was an important part of a soldier's equipment in ancient Greece. The hoplite carried a round shield called an aspis, while the Spartan carried a round shield called a hoplon. The Thracian carried a rectangular shield, and the peltast carried a small, crescent-shaped shield. Each kind of shield had its own unique features, which made it effective in battle.

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