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They did not fight as one individual which was often the case with other armies, but as one unit combining strengths of the majority. This allowed them to stand tall in the face of adversity when other military units would fall apart. The Spartan battle tactic centered on a close rank advance that few could stand against. A toughened Spartan unit with no fear, standing shoulder to shoulder was an unnerving sight to behold. The advance was...

Spartan ArmorTheir shields consisted of wood and leather with the face completely covered in a thin sheet of stressed bronze (881004), which was enough to strengthen the shield, but did not add so much weight as to make it useless. Each shield was round and approx 36 - 38 according to some unearthed examples. Legend says that a warrior was given his shield by his mother and instructed to come back with it or on it. The shield was considered...

The Battle of Marathon was one of the earliest recorded battles. This Greek victory over invading Persians gave Greek city-states not only the confidence in their ability to defend themselves, but in the belief of their own existence. Two years earlier an invading army of Persians, after defeating Thrace and Macedonia, had their fleet destroyed by a storm. Now, a second army crossed in an expedition bent on conquering the Aegean Islands. In fall...