Greek Hoplite vs Persian Warrior

The Greco-Persian Wars (499-449 BCE) convulsed Greece, Asia Minor and the surrounding areas for half a century. Through a series of bloody invasions and pitched battles, the mighty Persian Empire pitted itself against the smaller armies of the Greeks, strengthened through strategic alliances. This epic conflict also brought together two different styles of warfare: the Greek hoplite phalanx and the combined spear and projectile weapon-armed Persian infantry. Analysing the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae and Plataea from the eyes of a soldier, this study explores the experience of front-line combat during the first two decades of the Greco-Persian Wars. Fully illustrated with modern photographs and archival images, and drawing directly on primary sources and the most authoritative up-to-date research, this is the enthralling story of the fighting men of Greece and Persia and the tactics and technologies they employed.

Chris McNab is an author and editor. To date he has published over 100 books, including many for Osprey. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, several 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Introduction The Opposing Sides Combat 1 Combat 2 Combat 3 Analysis Aftermath Unit Organizations Bibliography Index