26 replies to this topic

[Gfire]

I think your thinking more of phalanx Pikemen, rather than hoplites. Actually, it wasn't pikes they used, but another similar weapon I cant remember.

[Crusard]

Yeah, I was referring to the phalanx hoplites (very important to greece imo).

[Gfire]

Well, they could be that way.

Well I think the ones with spears were the most common. I'm no expert, though.

[Nertea]

It really depends which bit and era of the Hellenistic civilization you're talking about. RTW is a rough and inaccurate representation, but it'll do. The primary greek city-states that tend to get the most attention (such as athens, corinth and sparta) tended to field phalanx troops that used a shorter spear (the dorzi or however it's spelt) in early eras. However this essentially broke down as inter-city warfare led to tactics that would render the hoplite phalanx impractical and easily countered, like skirmishing. Laterin Macedon principally with Philip and Alexander, the sarissa was used, which is a pike. It was a lot longer but wasn't really any more effective strategically, the strength of the phalangite pikeman was more in the combined tactics that were used. Obviously, a longer pike has some advantages, but you could still go around really. After Alaexander died and his empire fragmented, the pike gets dispersed among what's left of Macedon, Selukia and the Ptomlaeic empire. I think the shorter spear was still in use at this time but I'm not sure, though at least in Selukid and Macedonian armies the pike was the core weapon.

If you're actually going for any kind of accuracy you need to decide on whether you want a city-state or a late hellinistic army. They don't mix. Pike vs spear, existence of elephants, force organization, cavalry disposition all vary quite significantly.

Edited by Nertea, 11 May 2009 - 03:35 AM.

[Crusard]

Since the factions aren't necessarily thought to be made for mirror fights, and to be brief, I'll go with the long pike all the way!

[empireruler]

Just to give an idea, I did find this...
Ancient Greek Units
It should give some idea of some units.

[Crusard]

Take a look at this.
It's a fun comparison between a Hoplite and a Pezhetairoi (Sarissa/long pike guy).
Gotta love those long pikes.