#peltast

[whencyclopedia]

The Greek Phalanx

The Greek phalanx was a formidable military strategy that dominated ancient battlefields for centuries. Originating in Sumeria around the 25th century BCE, this formation later influenced Egyptian and Greek warfare, becoming a hallmark of Greek military tactics. The phalanx's success lay in its dense, shield-walled ranks, where warriors stood shoulder-to-shoulder, armed with long spears.

Key Facts

Origins: The phalanx formation has roots in ancient Sumeria, with influences through Egypt.

Armament: Warriors were equipped with long spears and interlocking shields.

Literary Mention: The phalanx is famously described in Homer's works, dating back to the 8th century BCE.

Name Origin: The term "phalanx" comes from the Greek word for "finger," reflecting the formation's tight, finger-like lines.

Historical Context

The phalanx spread from Sumeria to Egypt and eventually became a defining feature of Greek warfare. Its effectiveness was heightened by the discipline and cohesion of the soldiers, making it a powerful force against less organized opponents.

Historical Significance

The phalanx played a pivotal role in shaping the course of ancient battles, notably in Greek warfare. Its strategic design and effectiveness influenced military tactics for centuries, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient warriors.

Learn More: The Greek Phalanx

[corvidous]

In the low mountain pass there lies a peaceful pond, its waters gently ruffled by the breezed funneled through the grey rocks, between the wide spread of the lands below and the high valleys where the spring grass grows so rich and green. Every year the shepherds move their flocks into the uplands where the sheep spend the summer growing fat on the lush pasture, to be brought back down for shearing when the winds of winter come whistling down the mountains.

But the pond is peaceful only from afar, and the shepherds move their flocks past as quickly as they can, fearful of the terror that lies watchful in the water. Or so it has been, these many years...

"No more! No more will our boys dread the trip to the summer valleys, no more will we lose our sheep twice a year to the beast of the pass! I say enough! Enough of fear, men! Take up the javelin, take up the pelte shield, and follow me, and let us make an end to the beast, make the pass safe for our flocks and our shepherds!"

A diorama I put together for the local game store's year long painting contest. This is my final entry and I'm stoked at how well it came out. All of this stuff I've painted/made in the last month. I'm very proud of myself for this one.

[okaydrawboy]

Bylazstibian Empire - Soldier, Imperial Peltast

[classicstober]

#ClassicsTober24 Day 17. Iphikrates

Picked by Dr Roel Konijnendijk, Historian

[whencyclopedfr]

Bataille de Gaugamèles, 331 avant J.-C.

Une fois la côte méditerranéenne orientale et l'Égypte sécurisées, Alexandre le Grand décida de pénétrer en Mésopotamie avec l'intention de contraindre Darius à livrer bataille. Ayant traversé l'Euphrate sans rencontrer la moindre opposition, il fit marcher son armée vers l'est, le long des contreforts des montagnes arméniennes, avant de franchir le Tigre. Une fois le Tigre traversé, les éclaireurs macédoniens montés signalèrent qu'ils avaient aperçu des éléments de cavalerie perse à l'horizon. Ne souhaitant prendre aucun risque, Alexandre rangea son armée en ordre de bataille et, tandis que le gros de ses troupes avançait prudemment, il se mit personnellement à la tête d'un contingent de cavalerie et d'infanterie légère, attaqua les Perses, les mit en fuite et captura de nombreux prisonniers. Il apprit de ses captifs que Darius l'attendait à Gaugamèles, un petit village sis sur les rives de la Bumodus.

Lire la suite...

[bromios]

Hello dears ! I am asking you to support my campaign to help me to reach my goal. I am now in bad need to your support to help me stay alive and safe. Gaza is a very dangerous place either on the level of livelihood or on the level of souls. I need your monetary support to ensble me to get the basic needs for my family till Rafah crossing point reopens to move my family to safety and peace.Pleasd help a family be alive through your small donations or througn your shares to others.Thank you so much for your stand beside people in need .

Hello. I am a powerful hegemon in the Ionian colonies and will be sending a considerable force of citizen levies to your aid, including:

-5,000 well-equipped hoplite infantry in full panoply

-800 citizen cavalry armed with lance and sword, on swift and sure-footed Thessalian mounts

-500 peltast from among the lower classes

We will discuss payment after your safe crossing through Tyre into Lydia

[apollo-32]

Armor in Ancient Greece

I feel compelled to talk about different types of armor in Ancient Greece and where they were worn and by whom they were worn. The Odyssey movie trailer was a traumatic experience for me, and I need to cope by ranting about this topic.

1. Linothorax (Λινοθώραξ)

Linothorax is one of the most common types of body armor in the Classical period (480 - 338 BC). The term linothorax is the modern word for the Greek word “λινοθώραξ” which means “a breastplate (made) of linen”.

In this image of a red-figure kylix that depicts Achilles and Patroclus, it is believed that the two men don Linothorax armor.

Since this type of armor has not been found in archaeological digs (since linen is a biodegradable material) and is only known from ancient texts, paintings, and sculptures; we can only make educated guesses about its design, materials and how this armor was made. Artwork suggests that the armor had a shoulder covering tied at the chest, a main piece wrapping around the torso, and a row of protective flaps (pteruges) at the bottom covering the waist and hips. Some Athenian vase paintings also depict parts of the armor covered in scales.

This armor was common and was donned by:

Hoplites (Heavy Infantry) because it provided good protection while allowing greater mobility in phalanx formations. It was usually reinforced with metal and other durable materials for added protection and durability.

Peltasts (Light Infantry) who used simpler versions of the Linothorax armor. They relied on speed and maneuverability so armor made from linen was perfect for the job.

Greek and Macedonian Cavalry; Many of Alexander the Great’s soldiers, including his elite troops and officers, used the Linothorax. We know it was used by Alexander the Great from mosaics depicting him in linen armor.

Mercenaries and Greek soldiers in general preferred this type of armor as it is light, cheap, and durable.

2. Muscle Cuirass (θωρακὶς μυώδης)

The muscle cuirass, also known as the heroic cuirass, was a type of body armor shaped to fit the wearer’s torso and designed to resemble an idealized male physique. It first emerged in late Archaic Greece and became widely used in Classical Period.

This armor is originally made from bronze, however leather was also used.  It is commonly depicted in Greek and Roman art, where it is worn by generals, emperors, and gods.

This type of armor is depicted in Roman sculpture as ornamental as well; filled with elaborate mythological scenes. They had symbolic value and suggested authority. Archaeological findings of the muscle cuirass with plain designs imply that simpler versions of the armor were used in battle.

The cuirasses were made in two parts, the front and back, which were then hammered into shape. They evolved from the earlier bell-shaped cuirass of the Archaic period and weighed around 25 pounds (ca. 11 kg). Examples from the 5th century BC have been discovered in Thracian tombs, where they were worn by cavalry soldiers.

The design of the muscle cuirass, which mirrored the uncovered human body, may have been influenced by the idea of heroic nudity. Its development is also connected to the way Greek art idealized the male body in portraits.

It is essential to note that while chest armor worn by Macedonian and Greek soldiers shared a lot of similarities, helmets were more distinct.

The Corinthian Helmet was the more common choice for Greek Soldiers, generally Hoplites. It offered full coverage of the head, face, and neck. However, it limited vision and hearing. It was mostly used in the Archaic and Classical periods.

On the other hand, Macedonian soldiers usually wore the Phrygian helmet. This helmet had a distinct design with a high peak that sloped forward, which proved a more practical design with better visibility than the Corinthian helmet. The Phrygian helmet was worn by Macedonian cavalry during the reign of King Philip, but Alexander, is believed to have favored the open-faced Boeotian helmet for his cavalry aside from the Phyrgian helmet.

One thing we can say for certain is, in Odysseus's case he is depicted wearing a Phyrgian Helmet, specifically one made out of boar tusk(s) as Odysseus is preparing for a night raid against the Trojans.

“And Meriones gave to Odysseus a bow and a quiver and a sword, and about his head he set a helm wrought of hide, and with many a tight-stretched thong was it made stiff within, while without the white teeth of a boar of gleaming tusks were set thick on this side and that, well and cunningly, and within was fixed a lining of felt.” (Homer, book 10)

Conclusion

These two types of armor are the most basic and common types of armor that were worn in that time period.

To summarize everything that was covered briefly;

Archaic Period (c. 800–480 BCE)

Heavy bronze armor (bell cuirass, Corinthian helmet, large shields).

Focus on hoplite warfare and phalanx formations.

Classical Period (c. 480 - 338 BCE)

Introduction of lighter linothorax armor.

Chalcidian and Phrygian helmets replaced the restrictive Corinthian helmet.

More flexibility in armor for improved battlefield maneuverability.

Hellenistic Period (c. 323–146 BCE)

Macedonian soldiers favored linothorax and muscle cuirasses.

Thureos shields and Phrygian helmets became more common.

It is disappointing to see that in historical adaptations of these epics, poems, and myths, no one who is responsible for these productions researches what the figures in the stories they're adapting wear, how they talk, the dynamics of their society, and how they interact with each other.

Nolan's Odyssey is even more disappointing in this regard, as Nolan is supposed to be known for his diligence and attention to detail, no? The armor shown in the short trailed perturbed me to the point to make this huge post about different types of ancient armor....

It is painful to look at this image for too long...

[dgorringeart]

A ghoulish peltast of Pickman and Carter's legion from the battle against the Moon-Beasts at Jagged Rock and after.

Having familiarised herself with javelins, this adult female wields a gnawed-at femur as a spear thrower for improved range. The types used at the time were improvised; afterwards they were ornamented with filigree in dental gold and locks of dead bride's hair.

Note that she has urinated upon the ground to make it soft enough to stand spare missiles in, to identify herself to other ghouls by scent, and to clog the tips up with noxious filth.

A weapon used sparingly at the time used a mummified arm to assist in the hurling of urn bombs - a weapon that spreads thick clouds of toxic, choking gas derived from extremely vile substances harmless to ghouls. This would, in time, gain prominence as a crucial means of screening the advance of ghoulish war and raiding parties.

[baltowolfquest]

omgg.. 😳 so wwyd if i just showed up at your place half naked with weed and vodka 👉👈 and my sarmatian levies and my thracian peltasts 🙈 would that be crazy or what 🤭

[whencyclopedia]

Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek Kingdoms in Ancient Texts

The rarity of the appearance of Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms in ancient literature is one of the reasons why those states are so little-known today. Indo-Greek literature did exist, but none has been found that speaks about the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek states. Classical authors tell us very little about Indo-Greek kingdoms, as they were far away from the Mediterranean world, cut off from other Greeks by the mighty Parthian state. Indian classical literature almost never interested itself in events, except from a religious point of view, and thus does not help to solve the dilemma. Chinese accounts exist, but only supply us with limited information.

Almost all of what remains today of ancient litterature about those kingdoms can be summarized on one page, which is what this article is going to accomplish.

NB: These are only quotes about the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms, and not about Bactria the area.

Greek Sources

When the news came that Euthydemus with his army was before Tapuria, and that ten thousand cavalry were in his front guarding the ford of the river Arius, Antiochus decided to abandon the siege and deal with the situation. The river being at a distance of three days' march, he marched at a moderate pace for two days, but on the third day he order the rest of his army to break up their camp at daylight while he himself with his cavalry, his light-armed infantry, and ten thousand peltasts advanced during the night marching quickly. For he had heard that the enemy's horse kept guard during the day on the river bank, but retired at night to a town as much as twenty stades away. Having completed the remainder of the distance during the night, as the plain is easy to ride over, he succeeded in getting the greater part of his forces across the river by daylight. The Bactrian cavalry, when their scouts had reported this, came up to attack and engaged the enemy while still on the march. The king, seeing that it was necessary to stand the first charge of the enemy, called on one thousand of his cavalry who were accustomed to fight round him and ordered the rest to form up on the spot in squadrons and troops and all place themselves in their usual order, while he himself with the force I spoke of met and engaged the p225Bactrians who were the first to charge. In this affair it seems that Antiochus himself fought more brilliantly than any of those with him. There were severe losses on both sides, but the king's cavalry repulsed the first Bactrian regiment. When, however, the second and third came up they were in difficulties and had the worst of it. It was now that Panaetolus ordered his men to advance, and joining the king and those who were fighting round him, compelled those Bactrians who were pursuing in disorder to turn rein and take to headlong flight. The Bactrians, now hard pressed by Panaetlus, never stopped until they joined Euthydemus after losing most of their men. The royal cavalry, after killing many of the enemy and making many prisoners, withdrew, and at first encamped on the spot near the river. n this battle Antiochus's horse was transfixed and killed, and he himself received a wound in the mouth and lost several of his teeth, having in general gained a greater reputation for courage on this occasion than on any other. After the battle Euthydemus was terror-stricken and retired with his army to a city in Bactria called Zariaspa.

(Polybius, Histories, X, 49, between 167-157 BCE. Translation: H. J. Edwards 1922)

For Euthydemus himself was a native of Magnesia, and he now, in defending himself to Teleas, said that Antiochus was not justified in attempting to deprive him of his kingdom, as he himself had never revolted against the king, but after others had revolted he had possessed himself of the throne of Bactria by destroying their descendants. After speaking at some length in the same sense he begged Teleas to mediate between them in a friendly manner and bring about a reconciliation, entreating Antiochus not to grudge him the name and state of king, as if he did not yield to this request, neither of them would be safe; for considerable hordes of Nomads were approaching, and this was not only a grave danger to both of them, but if they consented to admit them, the country would certainly relapse into barbarism. After speaking thus he dispatched Teleas to Antiochus. The king, who had long been on the look-out for a solution of the question when he received Teleas' report, gladly consented to an accommodation owing to the reasons above stated. Teleas went backwards and forwards more than once to both kings, and finally Euthydemus sent off his son Demetrius to ratify the agreement. Antiochus, on receiving the young man and judging him from his appearance, conversation, and dignity of bearing to be worthy of royal rank, in the first place promised to give him one of his daughters in marriage and next gave permission to his father to style himself king. After making a written treaty concerning other points and entering into a sworn alliance, Antiochus took his departure, serving out generous ratons of corn to his troops and adding to his own the elephants belonging to Euthydemus.

(Polybius, Histories, XI, 34.1-10, between 167-157 BCE. Translation: H. J. Edwards 1922)

The Greeks who caused Bactria to revolt grew so powerful on account of the fertility of the country that they became masters, not only of Ariana, but also of India, as Apollodorus of Artemita says: and more tribes were subdued by them than by Alexander—by Menander in particular (at least if he actually crossed the Hypanis towards the east and advanced as far as the Imaüs), for some were subdued by him personally and others by Demetrius, the son of Euthydemus the king of the Bactrians; and they took possession, not only of Patalena, but also, on the rest of the coast, of what is called the kingdom of Saraostus and Sigerdis. In short, Apollodorus says that Bactriana is the ornament of Ariana as a whole; and, more than that, they extended their empire even as far as the Seres and the Phryni. Their cities were Bactra (also called Zariaspa, through which flows a river bearing the same name and emptying into the Oxus), and Darapsa, and several others. Among these was Eucratidia, which was named after its ruler. The Greeks took possession of it and divided it into satrapies, of which the satrapy Turiva and that of Aspionus were taken away from Eucratides by the Parthians. And they also held Sogdiana, situated above Bactriana towards the east between the Oxus River, which forms the boundary between the Bactrians and the Sogdians, and the Iaxartes River. And the Iaxartes forms also the boundary between the Sogdians and the nomads.

(Strabo, Geography, XI. 11.1-2, between15/10 BCE and 24 CE. Translation: Horace Leonard Jones 1917)

At any rate, Apollodorus, who wrote The Parthica, when he mentions the Greeks who caused Bactriana to revolt from the Syrian kings who succeeded Seleucus Nicator, says that when those kings had grown in power they also attacked India, but he reveals nothing further than what was already known, and even contradicts what was known, saying that those kings subdued more of India than the Macedonians; that Eucratidas, at any rate, held a thousand cities as his subjects.

(Strabo, Geography, XV.3,between15/10 BCE and 24 CE. Translation: Horace Leonard Jones 1917)

Continue reading...

[corvidous]

Victrix Greek Peltasts done!!!! Love how these guys turned out. First Victrix models I've painted and I'm loving them. Though the mold lines were pretty intense.

These guys are going to be elements of a diorama and THEN. They will be part of my eventual Thracian army for Dragon/Lion Rampant.

[skitariiposting]

Even if secutarii don't get points I'm still gonna run peltasts as rangers bc their guns are fresh as hell

I can't fault you

Those guns are rad as hell.

I may be a galvanic rifle guy personally, but even I melt over the Secutarii's loadouts.

Oough, they just scream Fallout 1/2 10mm pistol, and if ever there was a pinical of fictional gun design...

They were certainly treading close to perfection...

[aidenofneil]

Workbench update!

Up first, some Gallic cavalry I’ve been working on to ally with the Carthaginians, the Romans, or the Greeks. (Really anyone… there were a lot of Gaelic people at that time in A LOT of places.

Im happy with their color scheme, being quite bright but not too vibrant (except maybe the yellow)

Up next are Greek Peltasts:

I love how quickly these guys paint up! I’ve elected to use various earth tones for their clothing on accounts of light infantry being of a (typically) poorer economic class at this time, and to my mind brown and grey will help hide you better in rocky terrain than bright blue.

You can also spot some phalangite shields in working on. I’ve been sitting on em for a long time and it’s about time I finished them.

All these models I’ve been working on are from Warlord and Victrix. Overall like the warlord Macedonians better, but victrix just does plastic so well. I don’t think I’ll go back to warlord for anything other than Macedonians.

[kebriones]

Do you know how they had peltasts in ancient greek armies. What if his potidaea injury was that he got a rock on the head.

[upn-the-sky]

Ares's design and other stuff

Okay, I now feel myself very stupid, because I thought that Ares's refusal of the sandals in his GOW1 design is some strange fictional decision.

But seems like it is KINDA CANON??? In mythology Ares has Thracian origin (or at least he keeps favoritism towards this area of the Hellada). Thracia was the most nothern part of the Hellenic Greece, has very cold climat (and a huge influence by the celtic tribes). What i am getting at... Thracian peltasts commonly weared enclosed mid-calf fawn-skin boots named embades.

Ares is not strange, he just absorbs military culture.

(By the way, unlike the other civilized polises, Thracians considered tattooes as a sign of nobility. I wonder if Ares has one... if he has not, he probably absolutely loved Kratos's huge tattoo.)

(Oh, maaaaaybe he has no any tattoos, but that's the reason why he has some "body art" on his armor!).

(I think his mom Hera is just against of it lol)

(Ares is mama's boi, he won't tattoo himself against her wish even if he want to.)

(BTW-2, first Aphrodite's concept art from GOW3 shows that she has AN OMEGA TATTOO RIGHT ON HER FOREHEAD, which was enough to pisses Hera off for all eternity in sum with Ares's and Aphrodite's romance)

[thefirstempress]

Campfire

The following excerpt from The First Empress: Book I is from one of my therapist's favorite scenes. He particularly liked the description of Lochagos Vola in the campfire light. Vola is Queen Viarra's Lochagos Hippeis (Master of Horse) in the hegemonic army. Nora is a young farm girl who volunteers for the army as a peltast (javelin skirmisher) in the wake of the deaths of her father, brothers, and fiance at the hands of barbarian raiders.

************

“[Queen Viarra] sounds too good to be true,” Nora admitted, cutting another hunk of mutton.

“Maybe I can introduce you some time,” Vola offered. “You’re cute enough, who knows, maybe she’ll make you part of her harem.”

“She has—” Nora paused to swallow a bite, “she has a harem?”

Vola cackled at her surprise. “Not that I know of, but she only takes women as bedfellows, so I’d be surprised if she doesn’t end up with a following of willing women to screw senseless every night. From what I’ve heard, she’s pretty spectacular at it.”

“So you’re not one of those women?” Nora asked, kind of aroused at the thought of bumping cunnies with a giant warrior queen.

“Nah, Viarra’s practically a daughter to me,” Vola laughed again. “She even came to me for advice the first time she and her handmaid Elissa decided to fuck. It must’ve worked out, since Elissa’s the royal concubine now.”

“I know I’ve been attracted to women in the past, but I’ve never actually been with one,” Nora admitted before finishing the last couple bites of dinner.

“I can show ya what it’s like if ya want, sweet-tits,” Vola offered, setting her knife and plate aside as she finished eating. 

Nora raised her brows at the proposition, looking over at Vola. The firelight danced off Vola’s tattoos, wiry muscles, and weathered brown skin, somehow making her look perversely alluring against the surrounding darkness. Leathery, mostly grey-haired, and easily old enough to be Nora’s grandmother, the lochagos wasn’t a beautiful woman—or really even a handsome one. But Nora had to admit there was an animalistic charisma about her. Something told Nora that despite Vola’s fearsomeness and savagery, she had a deep understanding of sexuality and intimacy.

“I’ll… think about it,” Nora murmured, chewing her lower lip.