Spear

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In ancient Greece, spears were one of the primary weapons used in warfare, and they came in various forms depending on the time period, region, and specific combat requirements. The dory (δόρυ) was the most common spear in early Greek warfare, particularly for the hoplite soldiers. The dory was a long thrusting spear, typically around 7 to 9 feet in length, with a leaf-shaped iron head and a wooden shaft, usually made from ash or another durable wood. The hoplite would use this spear in combination with a large round shield (the aspis) during close combat. The dory was primarily designed for thrusting, rather than throwing, and was highly effective when used in the tightly packed phalanx formation, where soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of spears.

The sarissa (σαρίσσα) was another significant spear used by the ancient Greeks, especially during the Hellenistic period. This was a much longer spear, often ranging from 13 to 21 feet in length, making it notably different from the traditional dory. The sarissa was designed for use in the phalanx formation, where its length allowed soldiers to strike their enemies from a greater distance while remaining protected behind their shields. The sarissa’s extended reach gave it a significant advantage over shorter spears, especially in the tightly packed formations where Greek armies, particularly those of Philip II and Alexander the Great, excelled. Its length made it highly effective in both offense and defense, allowing soldiers to thrust at opponents before they could close the distance for hand-to-hand combat.

The use of the sarissa marked a shift in Greek military tactics, and its introduction by Philip II of Macedon revolutionized the effectiveness of the Macedonian phalanx. The sarissa allowed for the creation of a formidable line of soldiers armed with long spears, each of which could engage enemies from several feet away. This made it difficult for the enemy to penetrate the formation and provided a significant advantage in pitched battles. While the sarissa was not easily wielded in confined spaces, its effectiveness in open battle was unparalleled.

In addition to the sarissa and dory, there were other types of spears used in ancient Greece, such as the kontos (κοντός), which was a long spear or polearm, typically used by cavalry. The kontos was often much longer than the dory, allowing mounted soldiers to strike from a higher position while charging into battle. However, it was less commonly used by infantry in comparison to the sarissa or dory.

Adaios 253-243 BCE Ainianes, Thessaly 4th-early 3rd centuries BCE Aitolian League 290-220 BCE Alexander I 420 BCE Alexander riding Bukephalos 238-244 CE Arcadius 395-401 CE Argos Amphilochikon, Akarnania 300-200 BCE Argos, Argolis 280-260 BCE Ariaramnes 280-230 BE Ariarathes IV 220-163 BCE Ariarathes IX Eusebes 88/7 BCE Ariarathes VI Epiphanes 118/7 BCE Ariarathes VII 104/3 BCE Ariarathes X 42-36 BCE Arsames I 240 BCE Athens, Attica 264-267 CE Athens, Attica 39-37 BCE Chalke, Islands off Rhodes 4th cent BCE Commodus 180-192 CE Constantine II 317-337 CE Crispus 322-323 CE Demetrios Poliorketes 300 BCE Domitian 90 CE Dorylaion, Phrygia 300-100 BCE Ekkara, Thessaly 325-320 BCE Epeiros, The Athamanes 168-146 BCE Ephesos Hinterlands 350-333 BCE Eumenes I 255-241 BCE Geta 197-209 CE Gratian 379 CE Hadrian 117-138 CE Herennius Etruscus 250-251 CE Isinda, Pisidia 100-0 BCE Julian II The Apostate 361-363 CE Kardia, Chersonese 350-309 BCE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 222-235 CE Koinon of Macedon 239-244 CE Koinon of Macedon 239-244 CE Kyparissia, Messenia 193-211 CE Licinius II 321-324 CE Magnesia ad Maeander 350-200 BCE Magnesia ad Maeander ca 350-200 BCE Magnesia ad Maeandrum 350-200 BCE Magnesia ad Maeandrum 350-200 BCE Magnesia ad Meander, Ionia 350-200 Nikomedes I 280-250 BCE Oitaio, Thessaly 279-191 BCE Orchomenos, Arkadia 350-300 BCE Peirasia, Thessaly 4th century BCE Pelinna, Thessaly 425-350 BCE Philip II 244-246 CE Philip II 359-336 BCE Pleistarchos 305-298 BCE Polyrhenion, Crete 330-280 BCE Ptolemy I Soter 311-305 BCE Seleukos I Nikator 296-281 BCE Selge, Pisidia 300-119 BCE Syangela, Caria 300-275 BCE Thedosius I 379-383 CE Tissaphernes 400-395 BCE Trajan 98-117 CE Trikka, Thessaly 400-300 BCE Tyrrhenoi, Sicily 354-336 BCE