Hoplites and Warfare in Classical Greece - Athens and Sparta

My latest book, Athens and Sparta is now on sale in the USA published by Basic Books, so I thought we would take a look at another aspect of Classical Greek History. Today we think about warfare and in particular the rise and importance of the hoplite and the phalanx. In the future we will talk more about the mechanics of battle, but for today the emphasis is on how clashes between phalanxes fit in the wider pattern of warfare.
Adrian Goldsworthy examines the evolution of land warfare during the fifth century BC, focusing on the equipment, societal roles, and tactical realities of Greek hoplites. The analysis explores how the agricultural and political structures of city-states influenced combat, while evaluating historical evidence regarding the formation and motivations of these citizen-soldiers.