Overview of Ancient Weapons of the Greeks

The most powerful of all ancient civilizations also created the most powerful ancient weapons of their time. Greeks were known for their military expertise and many of their weapons were specifically designed for combat rather than being tools adapted into weapons. Hoplites were the armored and armed soldiers which comprised the bulk of military forces. The ancient weapons that these soldiers bore needed to be effective for both defense and offense because these units of soldiers were considered self sufficient in both regards. Most fighting was done in open fields but Greeks had adapted short range weapons for urban fighting within city walls as well. A hoplite's equipment consisted of a shield, a spear, a ballista in some cases as well as a sword also known as a dagger. Hoplites most important weapons were a combination of their spear and their shield and Greek soldiers were proficient in the use of both and in the use of a shield as an offensive weapon when needed. The spear of a soldier was considered a medium range melee weapon and could be used to attack an enemy combatant while behind a shield keeping vital organs safe while attacking. In the event a spear was broken a soldier would continue using the weapon until it was as short as his sword or dagger. Only at this point would a soldier abandon his spear for his sword. Another instance of sword use would be a challenge where combatants would fight with swords. The ballista was a powerful long range ancient weapon that was capable of shooting multiple arrows at a time injuring or killing multiple enemy combatants in one blow. The advancement of weapons of this type is what gave the Greeks such a superior advantage along with Greeks excessive training and discipline.