Hoplites: The Classical Greek Battle Experience

Incorporating research from ancient literary, iconographic, epigraphic, and archaeological sources, this one-of-a-kind book explores the experiences of the Hoplites, soldiers who conducted battle on the small plains of Ancient Greece. The nine contributors to Hoplites--both British and American scholars--discuss the pragmatic concerns of Greek infantrymen, covering everything from the mechanics of phalanx advance to the proper procedures for the dedication of spoils. The contributors also examine the techniques of fighting, the use of commands, music in warfare, the use of "dog tags," as well as the role of ritual sacrifice on the battlefield. Contributors include J. K. Anderson, University of California, Berkeley; Michael Jameson, Stanford University; Peter Krentz, Davidson College; Josiah Ober, Princeton University; Pamela Vaughn, California State University; and Everett Wheeler, Duke University.