Thorakitai
Thethorakitai(Greek:θωρακίται;sg.:θωρακίτης,thorakites) were a type of soldier inHellenisticarmies similar to thethureophoroi.The literal translation of the term is "cuirassiers", which suggests that they may have worn a shortCelticmailshirt or possibly alinothorax.[1]
Role
[edit]Thorakitaiwere used in armies of theHellenistic periodin a variety of tactical situations. They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat. From their name we can deduce that most wore armor and helmet. They bore athureos,an oval shield, and were armed with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their tactical use. It seems that thethorakitaiwere heavily armoredthureophoroi,able to bear spears and do battle in aphalanxas well as engage in irregular warfare in situations when such an action was required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough terrain.
One view is that thethorakiteswere a final step in the development of thepeltasts.Alternative views state that they werehopliteswith cheaper equipment. Roman authors may have seen them as imitationlegionaries.[2]
History
[edit]Thethorakitaiare mentioned in the army of theAchaean League[3][4]and in theSeleucid army.[5][6]The Seleucidthorakitaiwere used in the storming of the Elburz Range in 210 BC underAntiochus III.They were used with the lighter troops to climb the cliffs and fight hand to hand with the enemy who might have not been dislodged by the lighter troops in the assault.[7]There is a tomb illustration fromSidonshowing what could well be athorakites.The fragmentary inscription indicates that he was anAnatolian.
References
[edit]Sources
[edit]- Head, Duncan (1982).Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars.WRG.
- Bar-Kochva, Brzalel (1979).The Seleucid Army: Organization and Tactics in the great campaigns.Cambridge University Press.
- Walbank, F.W. (1967).A Historical Commentary on Polybius, Volume III.Oxford University Press.
- Webber, Chris (12 July 2011).The Gods of Battle: The Thracians at War, 1500 BC - 150 AD.Pen & Sword Books.ISBN978-1-84884-942-6.