Race in Armour

[hoplite14gr]

Using Marathon as an example.
Not all Asiatic troops were archers.
Hoplites advanced in open order initially.
Being covered by skirmishers was option. Psiloi were present.
If in the flanks they would still force a number of archers to deal with them.
Rank interpenetration was an option skrmishers retreat through the hoplite ranks. From personal experiance I know that this skill can be mastered by three months training.
If archers were protected by "sparabara" spearmen, the tighter formation would be needed.

Also not all 10000 hoplites would need to advance as one.
LOCHOS and TAXIS are mentioned by the ancient writers.
That means blocks of men beteewn 100 to 600 men moving in parralel.
That type of separation gives flexibility.
Step can be maintaine by singin the "paean" or by trumpet.
600 men jogging, can from time to time execute the "ENA ARISTERO" command-strike left foot on the ground. That helpt maintain tempo.
I know because I have done it.
Kind regards