Ancient Greek warriors, known as hoplites, were heavily armed citizen soldiers who fought in a tactical phalanx formation. They utilized long spears called doru and short swords named xiphos, with armor and weapons often passed down through generations. By perfecting heavy infantry tactics, these warriors successfully defended against invasions by Persia beginning around 1600 BC.

1. The Greek Warrior
Information about ancient Greek
warriors
By: Trevor Smith & Jake Rhodes

2. Facts On Greek Warriors
• Ancient Greek warriors were called hoplites,
named after their shield, the hoplon.
• Warriors carried long spears, called doru.
• Warriors also carried short swords, called xiphos,
as a secondary weapon.
• Warrior armor, shields and weapons were passed
down through generations.
• Greek warriors fought in phalanx-like tactical
formation consisting of heavily armed soldiers
standing shoulder to shoulder.
• Ancient Greek warriors were citizen soldiers,
except for the professional army of Sparta.

3. References
1. http://www.ancientmilitary.com/greek-warriors.htm
2. http://www.pinterest.com/johnjameshill/greek-warriors/
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx
4. http://ancientmilitary.com/spartan-weapons.htm
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_Soldiers
6. Google images
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&u
act=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sword-
forum.com%2Fviewtopic.php%3Fp%3D190651&ei=x_ZoVLKvEI23yATTn4KAAw&bvm=
bv.79142246,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNFBZgtnK1QJNqs0IcJp35oko13i4Q&ust=141625145
0496148

4. Questions
1. What is your favorite weapon from used by
Greek warriors?
2. Would you want to be a Greek warrior?
Why?
3. How did the Greek warriors win at battle?
4. Why did Greek warriors use short swords?
5. How did Greek warriors get their weapons
and armor?

5. Long spears,
called doru in
right hand
Greek shield
called hoplon
Bronze breastplate
50 to 60 pounds
City state design
on the crest of
helmet
Greaves for shin
protection
Short swords
called xiphos,
secondary weapon
Hoplites

6. Greek Phalanx Formation
Greek warriors fought in phalanx-like tactical formation consisting of heavily armed
soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder, with shields interlocked.

7. Conclusion
Greek warriors were the heavily armed and
highly trained premier soldiers of the ancient
world starting around 1600BC.
The Greek warriors perfected heavy infantry
tactics, and when united, were able to defeat
two invasions by Persia’ the super-power of the
ancient world.