Part 2/9:
As we embark on the journey of a Greek hoplite, a crucial detail surfaces: the need for sustenance. The rigorous demands of marching into battle meant that soldiers often faced long hours without adequate food. To meet this challenge, hoplites carried provisions that enabled them to maintain energy and focus.
Historically, itrion was favored as a quick energy booster just before battle. It is poetically referenced in the works of Sophocles, which highlights its importance to warriors of the time. The basic formulation of itrion consists of honey and sesame seeds, a delicacy mentioned across various ancient texts. While the recipe varied by region and time, this simple yet potent combination provided both energy and comfort.