What was a Greek Hoplite? - A Guide for Key Stage 2
Updated: Jun 20, 2023
Hoplites were the warriors of Ancient Greece. Each hoplite was a citizen of a city-state who could be called upon to don their armour in a time of war. For example, if you were a male living in Athens and were between the ages of 18 – 60 you could find yourself fighting in a Phalanx formation.
Hoplites were armed with a huge spear, measuring a massive 2.5 metres in length and made from ash wood, called a doru. Their side weapon was a short sword, ideal for stabby stabbing, named a xiphos.
These two weapons made Hoplites deadly both at long range and up close too. Armour varied over the 300 years that Hoplites were in action; initially, the soldier citizens would wear a breastplate made of bronze or leather – called a thorax – to stop their innards from being removed by a particularly enthusiastic Persian warrior.
Later Hoplites wore armour made from layered laminated linen called a Linothorax. Despite sounding about as effective as going into battle wearing every single one of your t-shirts, the Linothorax actually provided increased protection and was much lighter than a thorax.
Hoplites carried large circular shields dubbed Hoplon. They were made from wood or leather and were faced with bronze, which meant a Hoplon weighed the same as a King Charles spaniel! Most Hoplons had an image on the front, a popular depiction was of Medusa – infamous for being able to turn her enemies to stone.
All in all, a Hoplite would carry some 20kg of gear, that’s like carrying a bag filled with 6,400 t-bags!
If you are a primary teacher then you'll definitely want Imagining History to bring their 'Ancient Greece: Hero Training' Interactive workshop to your school.
Our Award-Winning sessions combine role-play, storytelling, demonstrations and drama and performance to bring history to life for your students.
In our 'Ancient Greece: Hero Training' workshop your students will learn all about the Myths & Legends of Ancient Greece by walking in the shoes of the great Greek heroes themselves.
Further Reading:
