Greek Training

[Anonymous]

In the Hoplite Association, we re-create the Phalanx and what we find we need is training in marching in formation and moving from column to line, open order to close order, etc.. To minimise the dangers of the unwieldyness of the phalanx, you must have good drill and this must therefore have been the core of Hoplite training. There are various sidelights on this, for example the statement (from Xenophon, I think) that the city would not pay for sword training and the spear dance refered to elsewhere which, I think, is intended to teach the recruit to handle his spear safely before he's let loose among his fellows.<br>
Paul <p></p><i></i>