hoplite

hoplite

A Greek hoplite stands ready with his shield and spear.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Heavily armed foot soldier in ancient Greece: A "hoplite" was a citizen-soldier of the ancient Greek city-states, primarily armed with a spear (dory), a large round shield (aspis), and a short sword (xiphos), and protected by a bronze helmet, cuirass, and greaves. Hoplites fought in a close formation called a phalanx.
Usage Examples
  • (A heavily armed foot soldier in the Greek army.)
  • (The large round shield used by this type of soldier.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Hoplite warfare": The military system and tactics centered around the hoplite formation, which dominated Greek battles from the 7th to the 4th centuries BCE.

    • Hoplite warfare emphasized discipline and coordination, as each soldier relied on his neighbor's shield for protection. (The method of fighting using heavily armed infantry in a phalanx.)

  • "Hoplite class": In Greek society, hoplites often came from the middle class, as they had to afford their own armor and weapons.

    • The rise of the hoplite class shifted political power toward the middle ranks of citizens. (The social group of citizens who could equip themselves as heavily armed soldiers.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Hoplitic (adj): relating to or characteristic of a hoplite.

    • The hoplitic phalanx was a revolutionary military innovation. (Pertaining to the heavily armed Greek infantry.)

  • Hoplomachia (n): the art or practice of hoplite fighting (rare, historical term).

    • Ancient manuals on hoplomachia described training for spear and shield combat. (The technique of hoplite warfare.)
Synonyms
  • Heavy infantryman: a soldier equipped with heavy armor and weapons for close combat.
  • Phalangite: a soldier who fights in a phalanx formation (sometimes used as a synonym for hoplite, though "phalangite" more specifically refers to Macedonian infantry).
Related Idioms

  • "To stand like a hoplite": to hold one's ground firmly, especially in a group or formation.

    • In the heated debate, she stood like a hoplite, refusing to yield her position. (To remain steadfast and unyielding.)

  • "The hoplite's burden": the heavy responsibility of defending one's community, often at personal cost.

    • Every citizen felt the hoplite's burden when the city was threatened by invasion. (The duty and sacrifice of a soldier-citizen.)