Greek Weapons: The Legendary Arms of Ancient Greece

The ancient Greeks gave the world democracy, and laid the foundations for western philosophy, mathematics, architecture, science, medicine, and engineering. Even today we use English versions of hundreds of words first used in ancient Greece, and Greek mythology still permeates modern-day books, films, TV, and computer games. They also gave the world the Olympic Games. Competition was fierce throughout their society and the fighting tools they developed – from the Greek bronze weapons of the Mycenaeans, to the iron weaponry of the classical period – have fascinated historians and scholars for centuries.

In this time-trip back to the dawn of civilisation, we’ll put the weapons of Ancient Greece into sharp focus.

The Greek city-states were almost perpetually at war, whether uniting to defend against external invasions like those of the Persians, or engaging in internecine conflicts. Amongst others, the Athenians, Spartans, Thebans, and Corinthians were constantly at odds and the Greek weaponry of the age developed in response to the type of fighting that took place. This constant state of conflict was a catalyst for military innovation, compelling Greek weapons and tactics to be continually refined.

Most of the weapons of Ancient Greece were designed with close-quarters combat in mind, and there were different weapons for different soldiers based on their roles and the demands of the battlefield.

The heavily-armed Hoplite warriors were some of the ancient world’s finest soldiers, using the hoplon shield to great effect in a formation known as the phalanx, while lighter troops like peltasts carried javelins and small shields, relying on mobility and ranged attacks. Cavalry units, though usually less prominent in Greek armies, used spears and swords, offering speed and the ability to flank enemy positions.

An alloy of copper and tin, bronze produces a metal harder and more durable than pure copper alone. This made it the material of choice for early Greek weaponry, including swords, spears, daggers, and shields. It could hold a very sharp edge and withstand the rigours of combat. Bronze was in widespread use during the Mycenaean and early Archaic periods, but over time it was replaced with iron for reasons including scarcity, durability, and cost.

Some of the most famous Greek bronze weapons included a short sword known as the xiphos, and spearheads attached to wooden shafts to create the doru, a standard infantry spear. Bronze was also used to make protective equipment such as helmets and armour, providing soldiers with better protection on the battlefield.

The main weapon carried by Greek infantry soldiers was a spear known as a doru. It measured between two and three metres long and featured a leaf-shaped spearhead made of bronze or iron fixed to a wooden shaft. At the opposite end of the spear was a spike called a sauroter, which translates as ‘lizard killer.’ The doru was used one-handed, allowing the soldier to hold his shield in the other hand.

Mounted units used a different spear known as a xyston. It was a thinner and often longer spear or lance, extending the cavalry’s reach and effectiveness against both infantry and other cavalry units. Under the military innovations of Philip II of Macedon – the father of Alexander the Great – the doru was replaced in the phalanx by the two-handed sarissa, an exceptionally long pike, between four and six metres long. It allowed soldiers to engage enemies at a much greater distance and made it difficult for opponents with shorter weapons to break through their lines.

Used for distinct battlefield functions, the ancient Greeks used an array of bladed weapons, the most iconic of which are the xiphos and the kopis swords.

The xiphos was a double-edged, straight blade crafted initially from bronze and later from iron. Measuring approximately 50 – 60 centimetres long, it was designed for close-quarters combat situations, especially in the tight confines of the phalanx, or where the doru was impractical.

The kopis sword, one of the most famous weapons of ancient Greece, was used predominantly by cavalry units and some specialised infantry. It featured a single-edged, forward-curving blade between 50 and 70 centimetres long that concentrated the weight towards the front of the blade to enhance its chopping power, ideal for delivering heavy downward strikes from horseback.

Soldiers in ancient Greece were expected to pay for their own panoply – their complete suit of armour – as well as their weapons. However the poorest troops, light support or skirmishing soldiers known as psiloi or peltasts, couldn’t afford their own spears or swords so would have to make do with a selection of ranged weapons.

The most popular of which was a javelin known as an akontia. It was around 1.5 metres long, lightweight, often made of elder wood with a razor-sharp metallic tip, and perhaps as thick as a human finger. To aid throwing – for speed, distance and accuracy – many soldiers made use of a leather strap known as an amentum which was wound tightly near the javelin’s centre of gravity creating a spiral effect to aid stability, similar to the way an American football is thrown.

In the early years of ancient Greece, soldiers from the lower classes used a short bow and arrow called a toxon, and they were known as toxotai, or archers. They would march ahead of the main army, launch their arrows in the direction of the enemy lines, and then move out of the way. The toxotai were usually at a distance from the frontline and so were considered cowardly by much of Greek society, but their role on the battlefield shouldn’t be underestimated.

One of the oldest Greek weapons was the sfendonai, or sling, consisting of a pouch with two long cords attached. Made from leather, wool, or plant fibres, they were small, light, and easily portable and surprisingly effective in skilled hands. The slingers – believed to have usually come specifically from regions like Rhodes or other Greek islands – were known as sfendonetai and they would often inscribe the lead pellets with messages or symbols to let the enemy know from where they came.

The sfendonetai provided ranged support for hoplite phalanxes and were used predominantly for harassing enemy formations and skirmishing. They remained in use throughout classical antiquity and beyond.

The sling, along with the bow and javelin, were the primary ranged weapons in ancient Greek armies. While often overshadowed by more glamorous arms, these weapons played a crucial role in Greek military tactics.

The legendary weapons of ancient Greece were not just tools of combat but physical embodiments of their ingenuity, artistry, and strategic know-how. From the spears and swords of the hoplite warriors to the less iconic, yet nevertheless formidable range weapons, these arms were integral to Greece’s military successes. These weapons offer a window into the societal structures, technological advancements, and enduring legacy of a people whose influence on warfare and civilisation remains relevant to this day.