Hoplon hopla, of course, meaning military equipment in this case :) Bret Deveraux has been discussing the controversy over hoplite warfare in his blog (https://acoup.blog/2025/11/14/collections-hoplite-wars-part-i-the-othismos-over-othismos/) recently. In this starting episode he looks at some historiography, tracing the origins of the "orthodox" and the "heterodox" schools (as he calls them) of thought on the subject.
No detailed arguments here but a useful laying out of what Devereaux thinks are the key points of difference. I will understand if everyone makes like a bowl of petunias (Oh no, not again) but if you still retain some curiosity on the subject, it's quite readable.
And I haven't mentioned the "o" word (though Deveraux's use in the title is quite apt)
Quote from: Erpingham on Nov 16, 2025, 02:55 PMHoplon, of course, meaning military equipment in this case
My commitment to pedantry requires me to point out that in that case, you mean 'hopla'. :)
Yes it's a nice enough intro to the topic (as it was up to about ten years ago). I sigh slightly at Bret's promise to provide a synthesis (in part 2) when he isn't familiar with all the literature (or even all the primary material) but he does have a good track record of readable syntheses.
Quote from: RichT on Nov 16, 2025, 03:21 PMMy commitment to pedantry requires me to point out that in that case, you mean 'hopla'. :)
Damn it , I shouldn't attempt wordplay when I don't understand the language :)
Now corrected.
;D
Quote from: RichT on Nov 16, 2025, 03:21 PMYes it's a nice enough intro to the topic (as it was up to about ten years ago). I sigh slightly at Bret's promise to provide a synthesis (in part 2) when he isn't familiar with all the literature (or even all the primary material) but he does have a good track record of readable syntheses.
Something readable that may be only 10 years off the cutting edge is damned useful for those of us with some interest but who don't have time/inclination/money to follow a subject closely 8)
Part 2 - https://acoup.blog/2025/11/21/collections-hoplite-wars-part-ii-hoplite-equipment-hoplight-or-hopheavy/