Warfare played a central role in the history of Ancient Greece, shaping its political landscape, technological advancements, and cultural development. Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Sparta, developed distinct military doctrines that influenced the evolution of warfare. This article explores the key aspects of ancient Greek warfare, including military organization, battle strategies, and the impact of war on society and politics.

Ancient Greek warfare was characterized by the dominance of heavily armed infantry soldiers, known as hoplites, and the formation-based combat tactics that emphasized discipline and cohesion. Greek military strategies evolved over time, influenced by both internal conflicts and external threats, such as the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War. Understanding Greek military practices provides insight into the broader development of warfare in Western civilization.

Greek armies were typically composed of citizen-soldiers rather than professional warriors. The most famous of these, the hoplites, fought in a tight formation called the phalanx. Each hoplite was equipped with a spear (dory), a short sword (xiphos), a large shield (aspis), and body armor made of bronze or linen.