Description of the Product A hoplite was a citizen-soldier of the heavy infantry of ancient Greek city-states. The exact time when hoplitic warfare was developed is uncertain, but according to the prevalent theory it was established sometime during the 8th or 7th century BCE.
What was the hoplon shield made of?
bronze
use by hoplites … acquired his name from the hoplon, a convex circular shield, approximately 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter, made of composite wood and bronze. It was carried on the left arm by means of a bronze strap that passed across the forearm and a rope looped around the inner rim with…
What is the use of hoplon?
An aspis (Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς, plural aspides, ἀσπίδες), sometimes also referred to as an hoplon (Greek: ὅπλον), was the heavy wooden shield used by the infantry in various periods of ancient Greece.
When was the aspis shield used?
One of the earliest adopters of the aspis outside of Greece were the Etruscans. From about the middle of the seventh century, this type of shield began to appear throughout Etruria, along with other elements of Hellenic kit, such as the heavy and visually-restrictive Corinthian helmet (and its derivatives).
What is the importance of hoplon in society?
In Greek warfare, the hoplon was the most important piece of equipment of the hoplite (heavy infantry). Its large size covered a large portion of the holder’s body and its weight (24 lbs) allowed it to deliver crushing blows.
How heavy is a hoplon?
Hoplites carried a large concave shield called an aspis (often referred to as a hoplon), measuring between 80–100 centimetres (31–39 in) in diameter and weighing between 6.5–8 kilograms (14–18 lbs). This large shield was made possible partly by its shape, which allowed it to be supported on the shoulder.
Why is hoplon important to society?
Uses. In Greek warfare, the hoplon was the most important piece of equipment of the hoplite (heavy infantry). After the battle, the hoplon was often used as a stretcher to carry the dead and wounded from the battlefield. In the event of a retreat, the shield would usually be the first thing discarded.
What were Greek shields for?
The Greek shield of Ancient Greece was called a hoplon or aspis. These large shields were designed for a mass of hoplites to push forward into the opposing army, and it was their most essential equipment. The shield was carried in the left hand. It was used by Spartans as a weapon of attack.
Why is hoplon important in society?
Uses. In Greek warfare, the hoplon was the most important piece of equipment of the hoplite (heavy infantry). Vital to maintaining the effectiveness of the Greek phalanx, the left third of the shield would protect the right flank of the man to the holder’s right, hence why losing it was considered to be a disgrace.
What is the hoplite shield?
Hoplite shield (also known as hoplon or aspis) is a type of ancient shield, which was used by Ancient Greek soldiers called hoplites. Together with sword and spear, such shield was an essential part of warrior’s armament. Large concave shield was usually made of wood; some models had also bronze cover.
Why was the hoplon of shield so important to the man to the right of the shield bearer?
This allowed the hoplite soldier more mobility with the shield, as well as the ability to capitalize on its offensive capabilities and better support the phalanx. The large hoplon shields, designed for pushing ahead, were the most essential equipment for the hoplites.
What is the difference between hoplon and aspis?
As nouns the difference between hoplon and aspis is that hoplon is a type of aspis used by greek hoplites while aspis is a type of round shield borne by ancient greek soldiers.
