Nature of Ancient War
Warfare
In ancient Greece wars were typically fought between the individual city-states, or against a foreign power. The Peloponnesian Wars are an excellent example of city-state wars. These wards were between Sparta, Athens, and their allies. Most of them resulted in Sparta’s victory in land battles, and Athens’ victory in naval battles.
The Trojan War and the Persian War are examples of wars against foreign powers. In the Trojan War, the Greeks invaded the city of Troy, which was located in Asia Minor. In the Persian War, the Persians attempted to invade Greece. The united Greek city-states defeated the Persians after numerous battles and tremendous losses.
The Trojan War and the Persian War are examples of wars against foreign powers. In the Trojan War, the Greeks invaded the city of Troy, which was located in Asia Minor. In the Persian War, the Persians attempted to invade Greece. The united Greek city-states defeated the Persians after numerous battles and tremendous losses.
Battle Strategies
The Greeks used multiple strategies in battles, whether they were at sea or on land. The Athenian ships were called Triremes. Their name is derived from the three rows of oars on the ships. This made them extremely fast and agile. Triremes used giant bronze horns on the front of the ships to ram enemy ships. This usually resulted in the sinking of the enemy ship.
One of the most famous Greek land war strategies was a phalanx formation. The phalanx formation consisted of rows of Greek hoplites. The hoplite was an elite foot soldier in the Greek army, armed with a spear and a sword. The armor of a hoplite varied from person to person, but was typically very similar. The phalanx hoplites arranged themselves in rows, with their spears pointed forward in the front, and upwards in the back. As the formation in the front rows fell apart, the back rows would lower their spears and replace the front rows. This strategy roved extremely effective in the land battles during the Persian War.