Show here your Greek warrior impression

[John Conyard]

Good answer!

It is much better to portray low status well than high status badly. The public are always impressed by the sheer colour and display involved in Greek defensive equipment, but need to be educated in an entertaining way.

It is noticeable that many re-enactors favour the period of the Persian Wars, over the great war between Athens and Sparta, or the period of Macedonian supremacy. I don't fully understand why.

If anything my photos display a soldier from the second half of the 5th century. The dory is 3.15m long, which a little too long. But I can cope, and I have others. The head would be a little old fashioned by then but I love it. It is an old African hunting head, made for killing lions. The shield cover and stand are a nice touch, and the pilos and soft kit are good. The boots save me any issues over poorly fitting greaves. But it was really stuff I had in the back of the car at the time, after a day as a cavalryman.

I will make a plea for using equipment rather than just displaying it. Impressions should have a slightly worn look, certainly in terms of clothing.