Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

144 THE HYPASPISTS.inal region. The hypaspists are sometimes classed as peltasts,but they were more properly an integral part of the phalanx.At all periods there appear to have been differences in thearming and discipline of portions of the light troops, butthey remained substantially the same. The peltasts are commonlycalled targeteers. The Agrianians, who were amongthe very best of Alexander's troops, came near tobeing peltasts,though usually classed with the light trooj)s.That part of the hypaspists or shield - bearing guardsknown as theagema was essentiallya COVINS d" elite, — the infantry bodyguardof the king. The hypaspistsgenerally were more available forsome services than the pezetaeri,Casting a Javelin with a Twist, q^-^l^gJ.^^^ handier than these andyet steadier than the bulk of the peltasts or light troops.They were good for attacking and holding heights, forcingfords, supporting cavalry and in important night-watchesand attacks. They could do the duty of either grade, ascalled on. The hypaspists in Alexander's army were undercommand of Nicanor, son of Parmenio, of whom we shall seemore.In front of the taxes of hoplites in a simple phalanx wereone thousand and twenty-four psiloi, — slingers, archers orof heavy horsemen (cataphracti), withsword and lance, sometimes javelin andbattle-axe, and a small round shield,darters (acontists or javelin-throwers), who acted as skirmishers.On the wings were, under drill-regulations, two groupshel-- , „ , , , „ met, greaves and spurred boots. Butlireek oandal and opur. ° 'Alexander varied their position accordingto circumstances. The numbers of cavalry and lighttroops were elastic.