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2026 - Volume 9 - Number 1

Thracian Infantry: The Essence of the Peltast and his Role in Greek Warfare

Asen Bondzhev
New Bulgarian University, Department of History, Sofia, BULGARIA

Open Journal for Studies in Arts, 2026, 9(1), 1-8 * https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojsa.0901.01001b
Received: 28 February 2026 ▪ Revised: 17 June 2026 ▪ Accepted: 13 July 2026

LICENCE: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

ARTICLE (Full Text - PDF)

ABSTRACT:
First mentioned by Thucydides in 431 BC, peltasts were equipped with the distinctive pelte shield, which was both a symbol and a practical tool in battle. The paper presents several depictions of peltasts on red-figure pottery, explores the evolution of the peltasts in Greek warfare, focusing on their tactics and role in the defeat of Spartan hoplites under the command of Iphicrates in 390 BC. Despite the heavy emphasis on hoplite warfare in Greece, the peltasts played a crucial role in providing flexibility and maneuverability on the battlefield. The article also touches on the adoption of peltast tactics by Greek forces, demonstrating the influence of Thracian military methods on Greek infantry during the 4th century BC.

KEY WORDS: peltasts, Thracian military, pelte shield, hoplite, Iphicrates, Greek warfare, Thracian light infantry.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Asen Bondzhev, New Bulgarian University, Department of History, Sofia, BULGARIA.

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