Homer Background Homers Iliad reveals themes about Greek

Homer

Background Homer’s Iliad reveals themes about Greek warfare and values. That this was a naval expedition reminds us Greeks were seafarers. shows Greek wars were over often about honor Trojan horse showed that man won wars using their mind Small battles suited Greece due to fragmentation and lack of agriculture

The Hoplite and His Polis

Hoplite and equipment evolved to collisions to of hoplites massed in “phalanx” formation This was in part because of Greek Society and resource.

Spear (doru) was made wood Small enough one hand Aimed at legs and groin Iron Spearhead Balanced by a bronze butt spike

Helmets triumph of metallurgy Made from a single piece of bronze (no weak point) Expensive, hot, and heavy (3. 3 kilograms) Hurt both vision and hearing. lighter pilos style was probably common

Shield (hoplon) hardwood backed by leather bronze rim faced with ox hide or a thin layer of bronze more solid and heavier than earlier shields Concave design reduced weight problem and strengthed it double handle Strip of bronze across the middle leather throng on the rim.

Cuirass bronze was expensive Some armor made of leather or quilted linen Others a composite of both Many hoplites lacked armor.

Greaves (shin guards) Fitted to hoplite Thin bronze to be flexible

Hoplite Warfare

Phalanx Greek farmers armed themselves suited for mass formations typically eight ranks deep best-armed in front shields overlapping to form a solid barrier advanced until they collided “pushing” began. (Similar to a rugby scrum. ) https: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=Hd. Nn 5 TZu 6 R 8

Battles tactics may have varied Some conflicts settled by symbolic battles hoplites may use a looser formation to use their spears if the issue was important https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=NQ 62 fr. K 74 u 0

Battles Continued Defeated may be spared if they abandon their shields Loser asked the victor to reclaim its dead victors stripped the enemies made a trophy from armor Wars short and fit agricultural life.

Two Cases

Two Anomalous Cases: Spartans and Ships Idealized image of Greek warfare as amateur citizenwarriors meeting in fair contests Marred by two exceptions Spartan hoplites were not amateurs Naval capabilities were vital to many poleis.

The Spartan Anomaly Sparta was once ordinary Conquered Messenia (Greeks did not normally absorb other poleis) Land divided and farmed by Messenian slaves (thereafter called helots). Spartans no longer worked but revolt a constant threat. Sparta became dedicated to preparation for war.

Spartan Life From birth, a Spartan’s life was designed to produce warriors and mothers of warriors. Boys were to defend the polis Girls to produce brave sons and inspire men to return from battle “with your shield or on it. ”

Spartan Policy Others reluctant to challenge Spartans were cautious and rarely fought Small population could not sustain losses Campaigning risked a helot rebellion.

Foreign Policy deterrence Brought others under their leadership They performed the manufacturing and trade. provided soldiers probably paid tribute distant poleis formed “Spartan Alliance”

Naval Anomaly Greeks also looked to the sea. Athens best example Imported about two-thirds of their wheat from Black Sea region and Egypt Exporting olive oil, wine, and other goods

Greek Trade

the trireme

Warship Called the trireme two hundred rowers, seamen, and marines for deck fighting. A large fleet needed more men than a phalanx Triremes were expensive Athens funded ship from silver mines and tribute the wealthiest were expected to fit out the ships they commanded

Tactics lack of living space in vessels kept the fleets close to shore. Early battles resembled land warfare Triremes rowed alongside so that hoplites could fight across their decks Later built for ramming This demanded skill and strength

http: //ed. ted. com/lessons/this-is-sparta-fierce-warriors -of-the-ancient-world-craig-zimmer#review https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=pp. GCbh 8 gg. Us