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The hoplite infantry was the backbone of a Greek city-state's land army. But hoplites weren't the only ones who served. Those who couldn't afford hoplite armor served as light infantry, hurling javelins, shooting arrows, or even throwing rocks if that was all they had. Those who were wealthy enough to keep horses could serve in the cavalry. In this episode, host Scott Emmons explores the contributions of non-hoplite warriors as well as mercenaries, who could reinforce any army division.

For visuals to accompany this episode, check out Episode 15 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Reading Suggestions:

Greek Warfare: Myth and Realities by Hans van Wees

The Greek and Macedonia Art of War by Frank Adcock

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The polis was the defining sociopolitical system of ancient Greece. It was the environment where Greek drama, architecture, philosophy, and other cultural developments reached their peak. In this episode, host Scott Emmons explores the beginnings of the polis, military developments that helped shape it, and the values that it espoused, even if it didn't always uphold them.

For images associated with this episode, check out Episode 14 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com

Reading Suggestions:

Greece in the Making 1200-479 BC by Robin Osborne

Archaic Greece: The Age of Experiment by Anthony Snodgrass

Men of Bronze: Hoplite Warfare in Ancient Greece edited by Donald Kagan and Gregory Viggiano (This collection of essays by different authors is a good introduction to the academic debates over the development of the hoplite phalanx.)

The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Classical Greece by Victor Davis Hanson

The Other Greeks: The Family Farm and the Agrarian Roots of Western Civilization by Victor Davis Hanson

Greek Warfare: Myths and Realities by Hans van Wees

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In Greek myth, Delphi was the literal center of the world. In real-world religious practice, it lived up to its reputation. People came from all over the Greek world — and even outside it — to seek Apollo’s guidance in matters both personal and political. In this episode, host Scott Emmons discusses the mythical origins of the Delphic oracle, the mystery of the Pythia’s inspiration, the riddling nature of oracular responses, and the importance of Delphi in the power struggles between Greek states.

For images related to this episode, check out Episode 13 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Suggested Reading:

The Delphic Oracle by H.W. Parke and D.E.W. Wormell (A seminal work in two volumes, published in 1956. Available at the Internet Archive)

Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World by Michael Scott

Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind its Lost Secrets by William J. Broad

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