Western Civilization

The hoplite force had political as well as military

repercussions. The aristocratic cavalry was now out-

dated. Since each hoplite provided his own armor, men

of property, both aristocrats and small farmers, made

up the new phalanx. Those who could become hoplites

and fight for the state could also challenge aristocratic

control. Thus, the development of the hoplite and pha-

lanx became an important factor in the rise of democ-

racy in Greece.

In the new world of the Greek city-states, war

became an integral part of the Greek way of life. The

Greek philosopher Plato described war as “always exist-

ing by nature between every Greek city-state.”^6 The

Greeks created a tradition of warfare that became a

prominent element of Western civilization. For example,

the Greeks devised excellent weapons and body armor,

making effective use of technological improvements.

Greek armies included a large number of citizen-soldiers,

who gladly accepted the need for training and discipline,

giving them an edge over their opponents’ often far-

larger armies of mercenaries. Moreover, the Greeks

displayed a willingness to engage the enemy head-on,

deciding a battle quickly and with as few casualties as

possible. Finally, the Greeks demonstrated the effective-

ness of heavy infantry in determining the outcome of

battle. All of these features of Greek warfare remained

characteristic of Western military tactics for centuries.

Colonization and the Growth of Trade

Between 750 and 550B.C.E., large numbers of Greeks

left to settle in distant lands. Poverty and land hunger

created by the growing gulf between rich and poor,

overpopulation, and the development of trade were all

factors that led to the establishment of colonies. Some

Greek colonies were simply trading posts or centers

for the transshipment of goods to Greece. Most were

larger settlements that included fertile agricultural

land taken from the native populations in those areas.

Each colony was founded as apolisand was usually

independent of the motherpolis(metropolis) that had

established it.

The Hoplite Forces.The Greek hoplites were infantrymen equipped with large round shields and

long thrusting spears. In battle, they advanced in tight phalanx formation and were dangerous

opponents as long as this formation remained unbroken. This vase painting of the seventh century

B.C.E. shows two groups of hoplite warriors engaged in battle. The piper on the left is leading

another line of soldiers preparing to enter the fray.

Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia, Rome//

ªScala/Art Resource, NY

The World of the Greek City-States (ca. 750–ca. 500B.C.E.) 55

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