Association KORYVANTES - Exercise and Training Manual of the Ancient Greek Hoplite Phallanx

7/27/2019 Association KORYVANTES - Exercise and Training Manual of the Ancient Greek Hoplite Phallanx

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EXERCISE AND TRAINING

MANUAL

WARNING: The techniques taught on this document can be extremely dangerous. Please use caution andtake care of your training partner(s). Use only non-dangerous weapon replicas and not real weapons. By

using this document, you agree that you will use the training info solely at your own risk and that

KORYVANTES Association and affiliate Mr. Stefanos Skarmitzos bear no liability. Consult a doctor beforestarting any training program.



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Pronunciation Guide of the Greek sounds

B like V in the word Violet

Γ G is used but must be pronounced like Y in the word YEAR Δ D is used but must be pronounced like TH in the word THEE, AI like E in the word ELEMENTΘ like TH in the word THURSDAYΞ like X in the word FOXI ,H,Y like I in the word INDIAOY like U in the word ULTRAΠ like P in the word PETEROI, EI I is used but must be pronounced like I in the word INDIAX like H in the word HAEART

The commands are issued in Plural From for we have assumed a group of individuals intraining.We use the pronunciation as has been formed after the Hellenistic times as there is stillno consensus on how sounds were pronounced in the Archaic Greek dialects .

1. INTODUCTION

The hoplite ideal is probably the most important heritage left to us by the AncientGreeks. The purpose of the present training manual is to offer clear guidelines so wecan approach the ancient hoplite’s drill in a safe manner and derive the maximum

benefit from it. The current work takes into account the modern conditions we live inand attempt to ease the execution of the hoplite’s drill in our times.

2. HOPLOMACHOS

The trainer is called with the ancient term HOPLOMACHOS and the trainees arecalled AGEMA. Hoplomachos main qualities are steadfastness, cool head and patience.The Hoplomachos is mainly responsible for the correct handling of the equipment andthe safe conduct of training exercises. During training he must ensure that trainees are

under discipline so that his commands are fully understood. He must always be visible tothe agema during instructions and clarifications



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The Hoplomachos must be visible to the Trainees!

3. PREPARATION OF THE HOPLITES

Initially the hoplites παρατάσσονται in one line and then they are drilled insuccessive lines (ranks). They hold their spear in their right hand vertical to the groundand their shields on their left resting on their thighs. Ideally the must have the sun intheir backs and the hoplomachos opposite them. When the command: «ΗΣΥΧΙΑ ΔΕΣΤΩ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΩ ΠΑΡΑΓΓΕΛΜΑΤΙ – ISIHIA DESTO KE PROSEHETE TO PARAGELMATI»all noise and talking stops and the men set themselves voluntarily under militarydiscipline. They execute the hoplomachos orders even if the consider them wrong. Whenthe training session is finished the hoplomachos commands «ΤΟΥΣ ΖΥΓΟΥΣ ΛΥΣΑΤΕ –TUSZIGUS LISATE» (corresponds to the modern dismissed!) and then various subjects can be

discusses and commends are permitted





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ΕΠΙ ΔΕΞΙΑ ΕΓΚΛΙΝΑΤΕ – EPI DEXIA EGKLINATEOn hearing this command the hoplites move forcefully turning right by ranks.

ΕΠΙ ΔΟΡΥ ΜΕΤΑΒΑΛΟΥ – EPI DORI METAVALOYOn hearing this command, the first hoplite of each file turns 180 degrees to his right and

keeps marching while those behind him start turning successively when their predecessoris on their right

ΕΠ’ ΑΣΠΙΔΑ ΜΕΤΑΒΑΛΟΥ – EP’ ASPIDA METAVALU On hearing this command, the first hoplite of each file turns 180 degrees to his left andkeeps marching while those behind him start turning successively when their predecessoris on their left

ΒΗΜΑΤΑ ΕΜΠΡΟΣΘΕΝ - VIMATA EMPROSTHEN (steps forward)

ΒΗΜΑΤΑ ΟΠΙΣΘΕΝ - VIMATA OPISTHEN (steps backward)

ΒΗΜΑΤΑ ΛΑΙΑ - VIMATA LEA (steps left)

ΒΗΜΑΤΑ ΔΕΞΙΑ - VIMATA DEXIA (steps right)The hoplites, spear in right hand shield by their side execute a number of steps to thedirection ordered by the hoplomachos. The number of steps must never more than four(4)

ΟΥΤΩΣ ΕΧΟΥ – UTOS EHUCorresponds to the modern command HALT! Marching hoplites spot in the next step afterhearing the second part of the phrase - “EHU”

C. File Drill

It’s a good thing for the hoplites to have a “permanent” place in the formation. Themost experienced ideally should be placed on the right side of the group. Its also goodfor them to know in which file the belong.At least two hoplites stationed one behind the other are called a file for our purposes.

ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ - PARAGOGIWhen the hoplomachos issued this command the hoplites of the rightmost file are moving

forward and each successive filed marches behind the preceding file. Each file leaderstarts moving when the last hoplite of the file to his right passes in front of him.

ΕΠΑΓΩΓΗ - EPAGOGIWhen the hoplomachos issued this command the hoplites of the rightmost file are haltingand stand still and each successive filed positions itself to the left the preceding file.Each file leader followed by his file stops moving when they are all aligned to the file attheir right.



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Hoplites while executing the command: ΕP’ ASPIDI METAVALU

D. Phalanx Drill

ΦΥΛΑΞΙΣ –

FILAXIS (on guard)The hoplites cover themselves with their shields from neck to knee while takingdefensive stance.

ΔΟΡΥ ΑΝΑΣΧΕΣΘΑΙ – DORI ANASHESTHE (level spears - present)

The hoplites bring their spear in position parallel to the ground pointing at the enemy(butt spike to the rear) with appropriate turn of the wrist and the palm of the hand

ΣΥΝΑΣΠΙΣΑΤΕ – SYNASPISATE (lock shields)The hoplites of every second rank, with their shield at their left side move leftwards (2to 3 steps) and place themselves between two of their fellow hoplites of the forward

rank and bring their shield to the guard position so that all shields overlap, with eachman covering the shield of the man to his right. If this created gaps through the ranksthe hoplomachos issues the command “To Vathos Imisiaze”

ΤΟ ΒΑΘΟΣ ΗΜΙΣΙΑΖΕ – TO VATHOS IMISIAZEThe hoplites of the rear ranks advance so as their shield touches firmly the back of thehoplite in front of them.

ΤΟ ΒΑΘΟΣ ΔΙΠΛΑΣΙΑΖΕ – TO VATHOS DIPLASIAZE



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The hoplites of the rear ranks retreat two steps so that their shield does not any moretouches the back of the hoplite in front of them.

ΔΙΑΣΤΗΘΙ - DIASTITHIThe hoplites of every second file, with their shield at their left side move backwards (2to 3 steps) and place themselves between two of their fellow hoplites of the rear rank

and bring their shield to the guard position so that all shields overlap, with each mancovering the shield of the man to his right. If there are many ranks the hoplomachosissues the command “To Vathos Diplasiaze” before any other movement takes place.

ΠΑΡΑΣΤΗΘΙ ΕΠΙ ΤΟ ΌΠΛΟ – PARASTITHI EPI TO OPLOThe hoplites bring their spear in vertical position parallel to their right side. The shieldremains in the guard position covering the hoplite.

ΑΣΠΙΣ ΠΑΡΑΠΛΕΥΡΩ – ASPIS PARAPLEVROThe hoplites bring their shields parallel to their left side leaving thus the guard position.

The hoplomachos repeats the command ΑΣΠΙΔΑΣ ΑΠΟΘΕΣΑΤΕ – ASPIDAS APOTHESATE The hoplomachos commands «ΤΟΥΣ ΖΥΓΟΥΣ ΛΥΣΑΤΕ –TUS ZIGUS LISATE» and thatbrings the training session to its end

SOURCES

ΟΝΑSANDER «STRATEGIKON» ΑEΝΕΑS «ΤΑCΤΙCΑ» ASCLEPIODOTUS «ΤΑCΤΙCΑ»

Association of Historical Studies KORYVANTES

http://koryvantes.org/en/





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The result of proper preparation!

Documents

Association KORYVANTES - Exercise and Training Manual of the Ancient Greek Hoplite Phallanx