The key to this formation was the hoplite, who was equipped with a large, circular, bronze-faced shield (aspis) and a 7 - 9 ft spear with an iron head and bronze butt-spike (doru). The hoplite phalanx dominated warfare among the Greek City States from the 7th into the 4th century BC.

The 4th century saw major changes. One was the greater use of peltasts, light infantry armed with spear and javelins.