Hoplites

“He ordered the Greeks to form their lines and take their positions just as they were accustomed to do for battle, each general marshalling his own men. So they formed the line four deep, Menon and his troops occupying the right wing, Clearchus and his troops the left, and the other generals the centre.”

—Xenophon, Anabasis (Bk I)

For the Age of Empires unit, see Hoplitai.

In game

Hoplites — Vital statistics
Hoplites	Unique Argive Heavy infantryman that replaces all spear-type units for Argives. Somewhat weaker than Heavy Spearmen, but very fast on foot, has first strike and more resistant to ranged units in comparison to all other spear units, making it ideal for aggressive infantry tactics. Strong versus massed melee infantry Weak versus missile cavalry
Prereq:	Build time	HP	LOS	Attack	Attack speed	Movement speed	Upgrade of
[3]; Level 2: Mercenaries Military Centralisation	12.5s (188t)	265	1	26	2.1s (32t)	20	l
Cost			Created from	Armour	Weapon range	Specialty
Base	Ramp	Pop
: 50; : 50	: 3; : 2	1		11	Melee	Small defensive bonus versus missile infantry. Has first strike. Replaces

Overall strategy

Clasped in armour and trained to perfection, Hoplites are the beating heart of Axial Age Greek and Etruscan armies. They are costly to maintain and slow, yet do what they do best - holding the line and grinding down less well-armoured armies to a fault.

Hoplites replace all spear units — the so-called "Long Spearmen" squads included, so any Long Spearmen you may have recruited will doubtlessly be replaced. However, their strength isn't in hosing melee units or deterring cavalry, but in their mobility as well as their ability to resist enemy ranged infantry. The Hoplite is thus a very powerful unit when used in the ancient way — mass them at the site of battle, and then send them plunging into the foe. Of course, their lack of armour and slower movement leaves them vulnerable to enemy ranged cavalry, but Hoplites were never meant to function in isolation. An army of Hoplites, protected by light missile infantry and amassed horsemen will always be able to hold their own.

Note, however, that as units go, Hoplites are still poor choices when used to assault buildings. True it may be that their killing power makes them the queen of battle but for urban warfare, you will have little choice but to fall back on Swordsmen or Guardsmen to do your bidding. An army of Hoplites escorted with siege weapons and ranged units is thus a wise choice. If you were on the receiving end, however, consider fast ranged units. Medium and heavy chariot units armed with composite bows, horse archers or Elephants are all ideal units for use against Hoplite formations......or any spear units for that matter.

Notes

In Alexander, this unit is referenced to as Promakhoi.

Tricky. Probably,

• we can reuse Akkadian med spearman 1 and lohanim 1 for the Greeks, then
• use Akkadian med spearman 2, along with a unit with a new helmet and body, for the Italians and Phoenicians. Probably.

History

The predominate Greek soldier of antiquity was the Hoplite, named after the great round shield he carried into battle. Hoplites wore helmets, leg armor, and chest armor, and carried a great long spear. They fought in dense columns with the spear points from several ranks projecting out from the formation. They thus presented a formidable block bristling with spears held above the shoulder. In battle they would close with the enemy as a pushing wall of shields, stabbing with their spears over the shields. Men behind would push those in front and stab over them. This fighting was face-to-face and terrifying, requiring high skill and discipline. Battles were usually short but deadly. Before the rise of the Hoplite, most army fighting had been more long-range archery and posturing. The Greeks made war personal and intense, and Hoplites dominated ancient battlefields for centuries.

References

• Deligiannis P, "Hoplite Shields"