Wars and societies in the Greek worlds from 490 BC to 322 BC
Editions Messene| N° d'inventaire | 25397 |
| Format | 14 x 22 |
| Détails | 128 p., paperback. |
| Publication | Paris, 1999 |
| Etat | Nine |
| ISBN | 9782911043758 |
For the Greeks of classical times (fifth and sixth centuries), war was permanent, suspended only by a few "peaces". It was renewed: to the hoplite heritage (Marathon, Chaeronea) were added the practice of triremes (Salamis, Aegos Potarnos), the invention of the Macedonian phalanx, the use of fortifications.
Militias. The hoplite is simply the citizen property owner: in the summer, he equips himself to defend his territory or attack that of his neighbor. He practices modest and "regulated" warfare. The use of triremes enriches the city, develops a seafaring people recruited from among the poor citizens and gaining rights and advantages. At the turn of the fifth and fourth centuries, the more important and more technical warfare exceeds the limits of the city, the mercenary replaces the citizen, the warlord prefigures the rich and glorious monarch.
Thoughts on War. Thucydides sees war as the great revealer of human nature. Isocrates thinks only of a victory that would place the riches of nearby Asia at the disposal of the Greeks. Xenophon exalts the leader who upholds order. Plato and Aristotle think of the defense of their ideal city; they support the Greeks and condemn the Barbarians to the harshness of war.
For the Greeks of classical times (fifth and sixth centuries), war was permanent, suspended only by a few "peaces". It was renewed: to the hoplite heritage (Marathon, Chaeronea) were added the practice of triremes (Salamis, Aegos Potarnos), the invention of the Macedonian phalanx, the use of fortifications.
Militias. The hoplite is simply the citizen property owner: in the summer, he equips himself to defend his territory or attack that of his neighbor. He practices modest and "regulated" warfare. The use of triremes enriches the city, develops a seafaring people recruited from among the poor citizens and gaining rights and advantages. At the turn of the fifth and fourth centuries, the more important and more technical warfare exceeds the limits of the city, the mercenary replaces the citizen, the warlord prefigures the rich and glorious monarch.
Thoughts on War. Thucydides sees war as the great revealer of human nature. Isocrates thinks only of a victory that would place the riches of nearby Asia at the disposal of the Greeks. Xenophon exalts the leader who upholds order. Plato and Aristotle think of the defense of their ideal city; they support the Greeks and condemn the Barbarians to the harshness of war.