Athenian Army: Athens at War in the 5th century: Classical Civilization: GCSE (9:1)

Hoplite

a heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece.

Psiloi

light-armed soldiers and support troops for the heavy Hoplite.

akontistai

A javelin thrower in the Ancient Greek army.

lithovoloi

A stone thrower in the Ancient Greek army.

sfendonitai

A slinger in the Ancient Greek army.

toxotai

A archer in the Ancient Greek army, mainly from Crete, or mercenary non-Greek tribes.

Hoplite Phalanx

the basic unit of Greek warfare in which infantrymen fought in close order, shield to shield, usually eight ranks deep.

Taratine Calvary

One of the most famous troop of Greek cavalry, originating from the city-state of Taras in Magna Graecia.

xiphos

A double-edged, one-handed Iron Age straight short-sword used by the Ancient Greeks.

Javelin

light spear thrown by hand

Hoplon/Aspis

A rounded shield used by the Ancient Greeks

panoplia

A Greek suit of armour

Attendants

Poor person who accompanied hoplite but could not afford panoplia

Polemarch

Leader of the Athenian army

10

Number of generals in the Athenian army (1 for each tribe or deme)

Drafted army

Ordinary citizens were asked to join the army in times of war (there was no permanent force)