Recreating Ancient Greek Warriors
Notes
These notes are primarily intended to assist new and existing Hoplite Association members in the development of their Panoply and to provide all interested parties with an insight into the principles and practices of the effective recreation of ancient Greek heavy infantry. Members are encouraged to use this as an additional reference source to the Members' Handbook and in connection with the patterns and construction guidelines available to them. Non-members please note, Association resources are primarily devoted to supporting membership. Whilst wider interest is appreciated, specific questions about 'doing it yourself' cannot be addressed but please feel free to make use of any of the material posted on this and the other Association websites.
The period concerned with in this site covers the years between the battle of Marathon in 490 BC and those of Coroneia (1st) and Delium in 430 BC. This is the earliest period for which a reasonable amount of written, albeit challengeable, records exist but is supported by a wealth of archaeological finds and illustrations in various forms. It is also a period with a certain degree of academic interest and as such abounds with hypothesis and counter hypothesis.
Consequently, there is a reasonable, albeit scant, degree of tangibility against which recreation takes place, but the minutia of detail does require a significant 'leap of faith'.
To address this, the Association adopts a basic and simple principle of 'seek justifiable supportive evidence' as the basis of any recreated items. Not, necessarily, producing an 'exact copy' but seeking reasoned support for the items, design and construct of anything adopted, either from Hellas or of an appropriate timeframe, technology or link.
We also accept reasoned hypothesis and experimental justification. It is accepted that we will make errors, but through a policy of rigour we strive to remain within the 'spirit' of the era.
Materials
The primary cloth used is linen (or hemp if you wish) and fine wool. Leather is also an accepted material for appropriate clothing items, particularly for Scythians.
Under no circumstances use cotton.
Linen can be purchased for between £3.50 and £5.00 per metre (2005 costs) and a good staple source for cheap, heavy linen is IKEA. This is suitable for both clothing and armour construction.
Key items of armour (kranoi, cuirass, linothorax scales and greaves) should be of brass. Avoid brass plated steel. The plating wears off and the cost of re-plating is excessive.
Scythian mercenary hoplites have some flexibility with the substitution of iron for some items. Please refer to the Scythian archive for guidance.
Brass has been adopted for reasons of practicality. Indications appear to suggest that some bronze in our period had a consistency closer to modern brass than modern bronze, but the validity of this notwithstanding, brass is cheaper, more readily available in commercial items and allows the cost of panoply building to be brought down to a reasonable level for members. One bronze Hoplite or a whole phalanx!
Please note, the impact of this decision is that equivalent bronze items are not to be used in tattoo and may only appear in static displays. Bronze is encouraged for any other items that are not principle elements of the panoply.
Materials can be sourced from material retailers or re-enactor traders at events or at major out of season fairs. See links page for information.
Braid patterning seen on all base clothing items was, it is believed, an effective way of securing seams as despite examples of quite intricate embroidery and weaving, the general stitching quality appears to be quite basic. Seams are on the outside of garments and braid goes over the top. Woven or printed (dye) patterns are acceptable and the Association has an extensive record of patterns for inspiration. Hand dyes (liquid or pen) are available from Dylon and you are safe with all major colours except purple.
Guidance can be provided for novice pattern cutters / dye stamp makers.
Avoid using machine made if you opt for woven braid unless it is of 'poor' quality. Guidance on do it yourself tablet weaving can be provided and skills exist internally to make this for you, but it is a time consuming and expensive (very) option. Many re-enactor traders can supply this, please see a copy of Call to Arms for sources.
Commercial Panoply Items
Kranoi:
Acceptable items are:
Deepeeka 'Italo-corinthian' - which is a late pattern Corinthian leaving the ears uncovered. This is a bonus in phalanx work as you hear the commands and not the 'sea', a feature of the closed, early pattern. Despite the obvious design flaw it is cheap, follows the 'spirit' of the helmet but beware, quality varies and either inspect before purchase both for fit and build or use a reputable dealer who is prepared to accept the return of a poor model. NEVER buy steel / steel with brass plate regardless of any price incentive.
Despite the appalling crest, which is wrong and should NEVER be used as supplied, the marginal extra cost in buying this option provides you with the horsehair for building a new crest. Horsehair, if you can find it, can cost around £40 a tail and some people have used up to 4 in a build as lengths can be variable. Occasionally members do find sources so check first via group email if you need to buy any.
This item is also supplied by Sterling Steelcraft.
Deepeeka 4th C Chalcidian - which is a copy of a 5th C item, wrongly catalogued and thus in our period. This is a premium priced item for deepeeka but samples examined have been relatively well made
Deepeeka Spartan - a little stylised but this is perhaps to be expected, however all examples seen have been of a good quality build.
For bespoke Kranoi, the only armourer in the UK who has currently built a Corinthian (early pattern but as these are built to order you have flexibility) has been White Rose Armoury. The quality and styling is very good, the price will reflect the work involved. Beware, hand build takes time and there will be a waiting list. Enquire, they are nice people and are 'association friendly'.
Internationally the only real recommendation would be Manning Imperial, again who build to order. Build time is around 6 months, which can not be considered too excessive, and build quality is good. You can examine samples with the members for guidance. Deposits will be required and, as a hand build, the price will be premium. Always ensure when you cost this that you consider postage AND import tax. It adds up quickly.
Current acceptable patterns are the Corinthian Mk2 (early pattern), late Corinthian and Chalcidian. Other current selections are too modern for the timeframe.
Helmet Crest
The bespoke manufacturers of helmets, above, offer this as an option on their helmet build but most members will choose to build their own crestbox and either set the crest themselves or outsource this element. Please refer direct to Association armourers for guidance on this.
Metalled Cuirass
Although, as we begin our period in 490BC when there appears to have been a significant move towards lighter armour in the form of linothorax (below), the 'bronze' cuirass is still an acceptable item and members could wear any of the 3 core designs - Bell, Transitional or Muscled.
This must fit the wearer closely and so there is no source of commercial 'off-the-shelf' items. The only real mass produced item is the Deepeeka muscled cuirass but unfortunately the design is wrong and totally unacceptable so please avoid it. We have sourced from North America but can make no recommendations there based on experience. Once again you need to look to the services of an armourer and the only two with whom there is any reasonable confidence at present are White Rose and Manning Imperial. Remember. Please do not trouble either of them with speculative and pointless enquiries.
Greaves
These need to be muscled. Plain greaves are not acceptable.
Once again, these items need to fit well and the best option is bespoke manufacture, an expensive and time consuming process as it can involve making plaster casts of your lower legs in order to ensure proper construction. The alternatives are to go without, which was increasing in popularity during our period so is acceptable, or to go for a commercial, mass produced, pair and be prepared to undertake some amendment. If you select the latter approach, the only real option is the Deepeeka 'archaic' brass greaves. These are designed to be strapped on and are 'one-size-fits-all' so will require re-working.
Scythian mercenary hoplites once again have the flexibility to use Scythian style iron bar greaves. Please refer to the Scythian archive for guidance.
Linothorax
Regretfully we have seen no examples of commercially manufactured linothorax which could be recommended, although the nature of linothorax construction is such that a commercial piece might be suitable for amendment this is not recommended as to build from scratch is easier. The linothorax needs to fit the wearer properly and there are fundamental aspects of design which mean that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach will not work.
Basic construction materials are linen and leather. Canvas, cotton or other such materials are not appropriate and should be avoided. A master pattern is available from the Association armourer and detailed construction guidelines are provided in the Member's Handbook. Additional guidance is also given here on this site.
Armed with these, competent builders could easily complete a build within one week, less confident builders could still complete a build within a fortnight. As a result of all the experimentation undertaken we have discovered that this is a remarkably simple piece of equipment to construct and hoplites are encouraged to attempt the build themselves.
Assistance is available for both pattern fitting and construction and it is possible to have this built for you, but be aware that this could easily treble the basic material costs. Materials for a basic linothorax (excluding scales) would amount to approximately £100.
Scales
Deepeeka do a very good range of ridged scales in 1.5 x 1" (rounded end), in addition to a selection of smaller variants. Both in brass (Greek hoplites) and steel (optional for Scythians). Sourcing these can be problematic as they are rarely held in any quantity by suppliers and there is generally a need to buy in bulk (1000 plus). Armae has also supplied bespoke scales to the Association. To scale a linothorax will require around 500 large scales, to armour the right panel only around 50.
Aspis
The preferred and recommended aspis for Association members is the stock 'Wulf', which closely reflects the believed construction, weight and size of the original.
Manning Imperial produce a slightly heavy, smaller and shallow version and Deepeeka updated their 'Greek' shield in 2004 to produce a rimmed aspis of 115cms total diameter (Code AH6116). The rim of this will need trimming back from its 15cm width to 5 cms (to give an overall diameter of 95cms) in order to make it manageable, but with a little additional finishing both are acceptable and the latter, due to the relatively low cost, is quite attractive as a starter shield or for fighting with.
Please be aware, Deepeeka also produce a rimless shield WHICH IS NOT APPROPRIATE. Their original 'greek' shield is also unsuitable.
For more information of the Aspis - click here
Dory
From end to end, the total length of the dory should be between 7' 3" and 9'. Be aware that, whatever the length, you need to build this so that the point of balance is between 2 and 3 feet from the bottom. Any further up and you will be unable to manoeuvre this without grounding it and becoming a danger to yourself and to fellow hoplites.
Acceptable materials for the shaft are:
Ash, cornel, olive, yew, pine or broom - as whilst ash is by far the most practical for this type of weapon, it was not widely available and alternatives would have been used. An additional alternative, whilst not 'authentic', is waxwood and shafts for martial arts (kung fu) use can be readily adapted for dory shafts as they are 'natural' branches and have an appropriate taper. A ready and cost effective source is Gwangung, but similar martial arts suppliers should be able to supply these. Do remember to request a shaft that is straight!
Ideally, any dory shaft should taper from around 1.25" at the base to about 1" or .75" at the head.
Aichmes and Sauroters can be sourced from association armourers. Alternatively, those produced by Manning Imperial are of excellent quality and the bronze sauroter manufactured by Deepeeka is also acceptable, if a little small. Unfortunately this latter item is sold as a set with a bronze aichme and this is inappropriate for our period and far too heavy.
Xiphos / Kopis / Axe
The choice of sidearm, if carried, is left to the individual but Greek hoplites would have normally carried a sword and Scythians either a sword or axe (or both!). For Scythian items, please refer to the Scythian archive.
Your choice of sword will depend on whether you are seeking a 'display' item, a 'fighting' blade or a 'real' piece and price will be reflected in the choice.
'Display' swords are Deepeeka Greek sword (AH4212) or the AH4111 'falcatta' series. Whilst the latter are based on later pieces, they are accepted as 'in the spirit of', however the larger of the three models (AH4111h) will require some modification to the hilt as this is distinctly later Macedonian.
DelTin also produce a falcatta and Sterling Steelcraft (through Museum Replicas) produces a 'greek hoplite' sword, which can be obtained in the UK through Roy King.
In addition, period kopis' have been produced by Association armourers and can be obtained through normal channels.
Manning Imperial produces three variants of a hoplite leaf blade sword, all of which are acceptable. Their kopis looks a little strange though from the website illustration and it is recommended that a better picture is obtained before committing to purchase.
For fighting blade swords, please refer to Association armourers.
Currently, the only 'real' commercial sword that can be recommended is the commissioned kopis from Valiant which is a special order, not featured on their site.
AUTHENTICITY
Association members, if in doubt, ask!
Speak with the authenticity officer but other members will be able to guide you. This is the benefit of groupwork and should be exploited wherever possible. It is accepted that experimental building is not a cheap hobby and the better the reasoning the less likely you will waste money. It is a matter of pride that the only real 'rejected' items are those constructed by initial members in the first phase of building. Benefits of experience, hindsight and an extensive resource library coupled with direct access to foremost and very helpful academics should ensure you are on safe ground.
Please be aware, items of equipment that can not be authenticated will not be allowed on display.
LINEN ARMOUR
The Hoplite Association does not offer a linothorax building service for non-members. However, some ideas are presented here and a couple of the Association armourers are prepared to accept occasional commercial contracts. Please email if interested and this will be passed to the appropriate person.