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History of Ancient Greece Comes Alive at UWGB

The Greeks developed a new and very effective style of fighting tactics and equipment called hoplite warfare which enabled them to defeat the Persian invasions thereby ensuring the survival of the Greek city-states and the development of things such as democracy, greek philosophy, art, architecture, etc. A hoplite is a heavily armed foot soldier equipped with a big, round shield (the hoplon) and a spear. Professor Greg Aldrete assigned his History of Ancient Greece class the task of making their own hoplon.

students with homemade hoplons. students with homemade hoplons.
students with homemade hoplons. students with homemade hoplons. students with homemade hoplons. students with homemade hoplons.

Demonstrating that the key to successful hoplite warfare is to arrange the hoplites into a dense mass, the phalanx, and that to do this effectively it takes a lot of coordination and drill, Professor Aldrete had the students practice with their own hoplons.

Professor Aldrete Professor Aldrete lectures to the class about formation. Students practice formation and chants.

A battle between two hoplite phalanxes typically turned into a shoving match. A lot of hoplite warfare also depends on psychological aspects such as group morale and cohesion (hence the battle chants).

Students try their hand at a battle. Students try their hand at a battle.
Students try their hand at a battle. Students try their hand at a battle.

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October, 2005

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