08-18-2008, 09:59 AM
When taking Xenophon as a source, the Spartan had considerable forces under their command during the Asian Campaigns and the Corinthian war.
A brief summery:
The Spartan general Thibron was send to Asia with 1000 emancipated helots and 4000 allies, all hoplites. Also 300 Athenian cavalry.
Remnants of the army who undertook the Anabis were incorporated in the army, around 6000 soldiers, mostly hoplites
Later Agesilaus took over command and brought another force 2000 emancipated helots and 6000 allies to Asia. Also all hoplites.
Agesilaus raised troops from the "Asian-Greeks", among them 1500 cavalry of superb quality.
The Odrysian king send 300 Thracian peltast en 200 cavalry to Agesilaus.
Spithridates defected too Agesilaus with 200 elite cavalry and later the Paphlagonians send 1000 cavalry and 2000 peltast.
I think it is safe to estimate that Agesilaus had more than 20.000 hoplites, several thousands skirmishers an 2000 cavalry under his command.
The Spartan "home army" which took the field at Nemea in 394 was also quite considerable:
6000 Laconian hoplites (of all spartan classes. Maybe 1500 - 2000 Spartiats ??)
9000 allied hoplites who stayed loyal to Sparta
600 cavalry, 300 cretan archers and 400 slingers
Although the bulk of the army were mercenaries and allies form all over Greece i think the army was in good quality. Agelisaus gave prices to the best units of hoplites, peltast, archers and cavalry ( prices in equipment, condition, training etc). His Ionian cavalry defeated the Thessilian cavalry prior to the battle of Coronea.
If Xenophon numbers are somewhat correct this proves the power Sparta still had. I hope someone wants to comment on these numbers or has more information about these forces (other sources, articles or books ??)
regards
A brief summery:
The Spartan general Thibron was send to Asia with 1000 emancipated helots and 4000 allies, all hoplites. Also 300 Athenian cavalry.
Remnants of the army who undertook the Anabis were incorporated in the army, around 6000 soldiers, mostly hoplites
Later Agesilaus took over command and brought another force 2000 emancipated helots and 6000 allies to Asia. Also all hoplites.
Agesilaus raised troops from the "Asian-Greeks", among them 1500 cavalry of superb quality.
The Odrysian king send 300 Thracian peltast en 200 cavalry to Agesilaus.
Spithridates defected too Agesilaus with 200 elite cavalry and later the Paphlagonians send 1000 cavalry and 2000 peltast.
I think it is safe to estimate that Agesilaus had more than 20.000 hoplites, several thousands skirmishers an 2000 cavalry under his command.
The Spartan "home army" which took the field at Nemea in 394 was also quite considerable:
6000 Laconian hoplites (of all spartan classes. Maybe 1500 - 2000 Spartiats ??)
9000 allied hoplites who stayed loyal to Sparta
600 cavalry, 300 cretan archers and 400 slingers
Although the bulk of the army were mercenaries and allies form all over Greece i think the army was in good quality. Agelisaus gave prices to the best units of hoplites, peltast, archers and cavalry ( prices in equipment, condition, training etc). His Ionian cavalry defeated the Thessilian cavalry prior to the battle of Coronea.
If Xenophon numbers are somewhat correct this proves the power Sparta still had. I hope someone wants to comment on these numbers or has more information about these forces (other sources, articles or books ??)
regards
