Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

PELTASTS AND JAVELINEERS IN CLASSICAL GREEK WARFARE: ROLES, TACTICS, AND FIGHTING METHODS

Niese, Derrick A.

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Humanities (MHum), Wright State University, Humanities.
The purpose of this paper is to explore the developing roles, tactics, and fighting methods of javelin-armed soldiers in classical Greek warfare. The chronological scope of the paper will be broad, incorporating early evidence from the eighth century B.C.E. but focusing on the fifth and fourth centuries. Throughout the thesis I will argue that javelineers and especially peltasts earned an increasingly prominent role in Greek warfare due to several interrelated factors: constant warfare occurring on increasing and unprecedented scale; professionalization of military leadership; growing frequency of large-scale campaigns waged on diverse terrain; and an overall increase in the use of mercenary infantrymen in warfare. The expanded use of the javelin soldier was part of a general development of combined arms tactics used by Greek commanders during the Peloponnesian War, the Expedition of Cyrus, and the various wars waged among the poleis during the early fourth century. Also taking place during this time was a trend toward specialization among leaders of javelin troops; this paper will highlight some of the accomplishments of peltasts and javelineers under such leadership in order to illustrate their potential effectiveness against hoplites and other arms in various contexts.
Bruce Laforse, PhD (Advisor)
Jeannette Marchand, PhD (Committee Member)
Rebecca Edwards, PhD (Committee Member)
97 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Niese, D. A. (2012). PELTASTS AND JAVELINEERS IN CLASSICAL GREEK WARFARE: ROLES, TACTICS, AND FIGHTING METHODS [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1334275977

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Niese, Derrick. PELTASTS AND JAVELINEERS IN CLASSICAL GREEK WARFARE: ROLES, TACTICS, AND FIGHTING METHODS. 2012. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1334275977.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Niese, Derrick. "PELTASTS AND JAVELINEERS IN CLASSICAL GREEK WARFARE: ROLES, TACTICS, AND FIGHTING METHODS." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1334275977

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)