The Spartan hoplites organized themselves into a tight ... In previous centuries Greek warriors had worn very thick, heavy armor, much of which, by the classical period, had been largely dispensed ...

Hoplite infantrymen ... the close combat favored by Greek armies. During the 5th century BC, swords became increasing shorter as tactics changed in favor of less armor, increased agility, and ...

In fact, University of Cambridge archaeologist Anthony Snodgrass, in "Arms and Armor of the Greeks" (Johns ... may not have mattered in ancient Greek hoplite warfare, where warriors stood close ...