Thorakitai were used in armies of the Hellenistic
period in a variety of tactical situations. They were a type of
armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to
be effective in combat. From their name we can deduce that most wore
armor and helmet. They bore a thureos, an oval shield, and were armed
with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their
tactical use. It seems that the thorakitai were heavily armored
thureophoroi, able to bear spears and do battle in a phalanx as well
as engage in irregular warfare in situations when such an action was
required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough
terrain.
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