What the description of Sphacteria has to tell us

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Of all the work of Thucydides, the description of the the events of Sphacteria gives perhaps the most gathered info on very interesting matters about the code of war in the classical times,the proccess followed to do certain things,the equipment carried and used by different soldiers and the way of fighting both in phalanx,in skirmish and on board.
I thought this alone deserved a thread where we can discuss Thucydides's description.
I'll start with the fact that the "piloi" were not protecting the Spartans from arrows. It has beed discussed again,but how possible is it that the word "pilos" here is refering not to the metal conical helmet,but to the felt cap worn under the helmet? How can a corinthian,or better,a chalkidean helmet protect much better than a pilos,provided the men fighting in a phalanx are covered by their shields? The shield can cover you to the eyes.

Another thing that adds to the theory that only just before contact did the hoplites close ranks, Thucydides mentions that after they got tired running around the same spot,pursuing the peltasts,they closed ranks and retreated.(the word used is "synklesantes" ξυγκλήσαντες"). I suppose the closed ranks in order to be safer in a quick rear attack by the Athenian hoplites.

There are many other things to be discussed on this topic.
Khairete
Giannis