The early Greek settlements started as small independent communities cut off from each other by the terrain and often competing for the best farming land. As these communities developed, they became city-states, each with their own strong individual identity.  Each city-state had its own government.  Sometimes the city-states fought one another, sometimes they joined together.

Athens, Sparta, Corinth and Olympia were four of the largest city-states.  Warfare was a normal part of Greek life, and the city states often fought each other.  In early times, Greek soldiers fought individually. They would usually wear a simple helmet and leather breastplate and would carry a bronze-tipped spear and a sword as weapons.

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At the turn of the fifth century BC, the backbone of the Greek army was the Hoplite.  He was a foot soldier and his weapons were a long spear and a sword.  For defence, he carried a round bronze shield.  Hoplites fought in lines or ranks.  Eight to ten ranks made a formation called a phalanx. Each soldier held his long spear underarm.  Enemy soldiers saw only a mass of spears and shields that was hard to break through - and hard to stop once it started moving forward.

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Archers were used in Greek warfare from the earliest times.  However, Greek armies concentrated on soldiers of the phalanx, and archery was neglected, except in Crete.  Archers carried bows and arrows as well as a sword and small shield.  Archers in Greek armies were therefore often mercenaries, usually Scythians or Cretans.

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The Hammippoi were lightly armed infantry trained to fight alongside the cavalry.  They would go into battle holding onto the

tails of horses.  The Hammippoi were particularly useful in a straight cavalry fight, when they would hack at the enemy horsemen with their swords.

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This set of four miniature Greek Warrior figurines is cast in England in traditional lead-free pewter.  Each figure is approximately 40mm in height and they are all extremely detailed.

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They come in a clear plastic presentation case with a colour insert and information about Greek Warriors.

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FOR CLARITY: THESE ITEMS ARE NOT ANCIENT