In our study of land warfare this semester, we've focused largely on the distinctive Greek infantry unit, the hoplite phalanx. We have, however, seen any number of instances in which non-hoplites played important supporting, even definitive, roles.

This assignment is a bit more free-form than the previous one. I'd like you to use whatever materials you feel are appropriate -- the primary sources of Herodotus, Thucydides, and in Sage's collection and the Course Reader, as well as the modern interpretations of Hanson if you wish -- to discuss the use of non-hoplite troops in Greek warfare. You should explain what you think in general are the relative advantages and disadvantages of hoplites and light-armed troops. Then select two or three specific encounters from the semester's readings in which non-hoplites played an important role; discuss the ways in which they were used in these encounters and how they provided specific advantages.

I'm hesitant to prescribe page lengths for this assignment; some of you seemed to feel that the two page suggestion for the last assignment was intended as a maximum. Write as much as you need to cover the subject adequately. But stick to the point -- you don't need to waste time and space with dramatic, flowery introductions and digressions.

Papers will be due by Friday, May 8 (the last class day), but feel free to turn in drafts or final versions earlier.