He addresses questions such as why was the hoplon, the characteristic shield of the hoplite, circular rather than square, what was “drill” like, how did one manage to wear the full hoplite panoply, ...

In battle, hoplites ... than other Greek women. For example, they could run the family farm. Spartan mothers told their sons before they left for battle, "Come back with your shield, or on it." ...

The Greek foot soldier was called a hoplite. He fought with a long spear and used a large round shield for protection. In battle, hoplites fought as a team. They lined up and locked their shields ...