Hoplite Artwork

[hoplite14gr]

Before the Industrial revolution metals were expensive.
Iron came into play because it was cheaper than bronze.
The Archaic hoplites had bronze weapons and even owned vambraces and "leg" armor. But they were few and were something like foot knights.
Classical ritch hoplite would afford hoplon spear helmet, bronze cuirass grieves and sword. The democratic city state refoerm brought increase of the hoplite corp but since not many could afford much bronze, grieves and metal armor started declining. some were even swordless. Rear ranks in a small city state might be armorless with only spear shield and helmet.
The indroduction of pilos helmet in the late Peloponesian war was a sign of poverty.
Tell your partners to consider finding a consultant.
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