Race in Armour

[hoplite14gr]

Thanks Paul.
Personaly I belive that in Marathon psiloi engaged first front and flank.
Hoplites advanced in open order blocks. At 500 meters psiloi retreated through the hoplite lines while hoplites advaced to clear and reach the critical distance before charging full speed. Trumpet signs could aid to this
Many modern armies volonteer and consrcript have demostration formations that exchange ranks quickly. I belive this tactic was not impossible to the ancients.

Susane, ancient middle class boys (hoplite class that is) went to school and spent a lot of time in palestra-gymnasion from 10 to 18 years.
What drill most conscripts do for 6 months they did for 6 years.
Spartans were conscripted from 7 to 60 (53 years military service!!) but that an exception.
Still hoplites were regular troops and well drilled in the major city states.
Kind regards