Hoplites

Type of heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece in use from ca. late 8th century BCE, specializing in close-formation fighting. Prior to the appearance of hoplites, individual combat between heroes predominated in warfare. New, heavier armor and the thrusting sword, rather than throwing spear, gave the hoplites stronger protection as foot soldiers, enabling the formation of a compact phalanx that was very successful. Greek hoplites were renowned as the best fighters in the Mediterranean world and in great demand as mercenaries in ancient Lydia, Babylonia, and Egypt.