Table of Contents
Why did hoplites use spears?
Critical to hoplite battle was the presence of the spear and the sword. Both these weapons were considered short range shock weapons, and helped the phalanx develop a unique fighting style.
How much did a hoplite spear weigh?
Shield. 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).
How long was a Greek spear?
The sarisa or sarissa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) in length.
How did the hoplites use their spears in battle?
The spears were held in the right hand and at head height, and aimed forwards in the V shaped gap between the shields. This presented a formidable row of sharp points to the enemy. If the hoplites could maintain this tight formation, they were hard to beat.
What is a hoplites spear called?
The dory or doru (/ˈdɒruː/; Greek: δόρυ) is a spear that was the chief spear of hoplites (heavy infantry) in Ancient Greece. The word “dory” was first attested by Homer with the meanings of “wood” and “spear”.
What were hoplite spears made of?
ash wood spear
The principal weapons of a hoplite infantryman were a long ash wood spear (doru) and a short sword (xiphos). The spear measured on average 2.5 metres (8 ft.) in length and was fitted with a bronze or iron blade and a four-sided end spike (sauroter).
What weapons did hoplites use?
Weapons & Armour The principal weapons of a hoplite infantryman were a long ash wood spear (doru) and a short sword (xiphos). The spear measured on average 2.5 metres (8 ft.) in length and was fitted with a bronze or iron blade and a four-sided end spike (sauroter).
What is a Sauroter?
The sauroter was attached to the spear shaft to allow the spear shaft to be rammed into the ground so that it could be held fast by the warrior wielding it against the onrush of the enemy. If the shaft of the spear were broken, the sauroter could also be used as an effective weapon in its own right.
Why did Spartans use spears?
The Dory was a spear weapon used by the Spartans, the Dory was truly a hefty spear and could be up to 9ft long in length. When used by the Spartans this spear would be used with only one hand, allowing the Spartan to maintain and protect himself with his Apsis shield.
How far could a Roman pilum be thrown?
around 100 feet
The pilum had a maximum distance of around 100 feet (30 meters) through the effective range was 50 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters). The pilum was designed so that the shank bent or broke off from the wooden shaft on impact to prevent the opponent from throwing it back at the Romans or to get stuck into enemy shields.
How long was a phalanx spear?
Each hoplite provided his own equipment. The primary hoplite weapon was a spear around 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) in length called a dory. Although accounts of its length vary, it is usually now believed to have been seven to nine feet long (~2.1–2.7 m).
How long were Spartan spears?
Spear (dory) –The main offensive weapon of the Greeks, was approx. 6-9 feet long and made of ash wood specifically chosen because of its lightness and strength.
What is a hoplite spear made of?
by William Golding. The hoplite spear, used by the Ancient Greek heavy infantryman, known as a hoplite, from the mid 7th century BC through to the 4th century BC, was the archetypal “stick sharpened at both ends” having a large iron spearhead at one end and a heavy bronze spike at the other.
What kind of weapons did the hoplites use?
Notice the leaf-shaped blade and the butt-spike on the reverse end. The spear was the most important offensive weapon of the hoplite solider. It was typically eight feet in length and had a leaf-shaped blade on the stabbing end and had bronze butt-spike on the other. The butt-spike was called a sauroter.
What is a hoplite in ancient Greece?
Hoplites (Greek: Ὁπλιτης) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation in order to be effective in war with fewer soldiers.
How deep does a hoplite spearhead make a wound?
By that reasoning a fully inserted hoplite spearhead should make a wound at least 4.5 centimetres across and 15 centimetres deep. If the victim twists or turns, or the weapon itself is manipulated in the wound, then the wound is likely to be considerably largely.