07-07-2005, 04:33 PM
As I recall, these earlier light missile troops have been called psiloi. I have also seen the suggestion that they were perhaps partly composed of the servants of the hoplites, i.e. the armour-bearers. It seems plausible that such men would have a fistful of javelins and be able to use them at the start of a battle. They would not constitute a formally trained or equipped light infantry, though.
However, in large numbers they were enough to help force the surrender of the Spartans at Sphacteria in 425 BC. Similar forces show up in other battles of the Peloponessian War.
However, in large numbers they were enough to help force the surrender of the Spartans at Sphacteria in 425 BC. Similar forces show up in other battles of the Peloponessian War.
Felix Wang
