Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks

The Public Sphere 245
Marathon, they did so, Herodotos tells us, at a run. This tactic so
unnerved the Persians that, although they heavily outnumbered
the Athenians, they were instantly thrown into a panic.
The unit in which hoplites fought was known as a phalanx. This
was a rectangular formation with a long battlefront usually eight
ranks deep. Most hoplite battles took place on level terrain, since
only thus could a phalanx maintain its cohesion. The objective was
to break through the enemy ranks en masse. This meant that victory
depended on each and every hoplite standing his ground. Most
battles resembled a kind of tug-of-war, with both sides remaining
evenly balanced for some time, while much pushing and shoving
took place. Complicated maneuvers were rarely attempted,
because these made it difficult for a phalanx to retain its formation.
Because hoplite helmets had only small eye slots and no piercings
for the ears, it was practically impossible for generals to give precise
orders. Once battle had commenced, they could do little more
than bark out words of encouragement.
The chief method of fighting was to jab repeatedly at the undefended
parts of the enemy’s body either above or below the shield.
When one side finally began to yield, a swift outcome generally
ensued, because it would have been practically impossible for a broken
phalanx to regroup. It is estimated that most battles were over
in under an hour. Casualties are put at around 15 percent. Because
the victorious side put itself at risk if it broke rank and began pursuing
a fleeing army, it was usually content merely to occupy the field.
Macedonian phalanx, showing use of the sarissa or long spear (360–140
b.c.e.). Courtesy akg-images, London: Peter Connolly.