Part 5/9:
Unlike today’s militaries, hoplites were responsible for providing their own equipment, from armor and shields to weapons. The term "hoplite" itself derives from the Greek word for equipment (hopla), solidifying the notion that these soldiers were heavily reliant on personal resources.
Armor and weaponry varied greatly based on social status, with wealthier soldiers equipping themselves with bronze armor, while others resorted to simpler materials such as leather or linen. These decisions directly impacted their performance in battle.