In ancient times, the Greeks developed a culture in which combat played a major role. Athletes prepared to fight unarmed in the “heavy events” — wrestling, boxing and pankration — at the many festivals held throughout the country, with most of the contestants dreaming of one day competing at the Olympiad. Consequently, the Greek people developed a thirst for violence, and the Olympic Games revolved around symbolic warfare.
All that explains why the Greek hoplite (foot soldier) was perhaps the most dominant and feared warrior of his time. This was especially true of Sparta, where boys were taken from their homes when they were as young as 7 so they could be groomed into fierce fighters.
The arms and armor these warriors learned to use were collectively referred to as panoply, meaning “all arms.” The average kit for an adult weighed between 40 and 60 pounds and included a shield, bladed weapons and defensive coverings. Those components are discussed in detail below.