Changes

Traditionally hoplites were not professional [[soldier]]s, but often men of ordinary professions. They would purchase their own armor, which could lie unused for years, and the quality of the armor would reflect the material wealth of the bearer. They would be summoned to fight in the event of their city going to war. Fighting against other hoplites was often dangerous and their spears would often splinter on bronze shields or breastplates, but against lighter troops it was a different matter, especially against the Persian army which contained no heavy infantry or armor to speak of. In the case of the Battle of Marathon, due to their thick bronze armor the Athenians often crushed the Persian troops to death.

Traditionally hoplites were not professional [[soldier]]s, but often men of ordinary professions. They would purchase their own armor, which could lie unused for years, and the quality of the armor would reflect the material wealth of the bearer. They would be summoned to fight in the event of their city going to war. Fighting against other hoplites was often dangerous and their spears would often splinter on bronze shields or breastplates, but against lighter troops it was a different matter, especially against the Persian army which contained no heavy infantry or armor to speak of. In the case of the Battle of Marathon, due to their thick bronze armor the Athenians often crushed the Persian troops to death.

Possibly the most renowned hoplites were those of the city of [[Sparta]] in the south of Greece, who famously wore scarlet red capes. Trained from birth these warriors were professionals, rather than the levied troops of their fellow Grecian cities. They were famous for their courage and their skill, but could often commit acts we would today consider atrocities. Their most famous hour was arguably the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].  

Possibly the most renowned hoplites were those of the city of [[Sparta]] on the [[Peloponnese]], who famously wore scarlet red capes. Trained from birth these warriors were professionals, rather than the levied troops of their fellow Grecian cities. They were famous for their courage and their skill, but could often commit acts we would today consider atrocities. Their most famous hour was arguably the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].  

The terrain of Thermopylae suited the phalanx formation perfectly, as the narrow confines of the pass meant that the [[Persia]]n's superior numbers could not be brought to bear, not could the vulnerable flanks of the phalanx be exploited by the Persian cavalry.

The terrain of Thermopylae suited the phalanx formation perfectly, as the narrow confines of the pass meant that the [[Persia]]n's superior numbers could not be brought to bear, not could the vulnerable flanks of the phalanx be exploited by the Persian cavalry.

The phalanx was further developed by the Macedonians and their successors.

The phalanx was further developed by the Macedonians and their successors.