Messenian Hoplites

Description

As a Messenian might have stated: «Not all who take up arms do so to take the life or liberty of another. Since the Thebans liberated us, we have waged battle only to defend our freedom and protect it, be it from the safety of our city's strong walls, or, if we must, out in the field. Every Messenian knows the cost of defeat, and we will not pay that price again!»

Messenian Hoplites represent the citizen heavy infantry of Messene, a polis whose very existence as a free state was founded in the spirit of anti-Spartan resistance. Their equipment consists of a mix of Classical and Hellenistic gear, typical of the Peloponnese: Pilos, Attic, and Phrygian helmets, coupled with linothorakes or bronze muscle cuirasses, as well as greaves for body protection. They bear the traditional aspis shield, usually decorated with a bunch of grapes, symbolising their local agricultural wealth, prosperity, as well as depictions of Demeter and Zeus Ithomatas. For offensive warfare, they carry a 7–9 foot dory thrusting spear paired with a double-edged xiphos or curved kopis short sword. Having adopted the deep phalanx tactics of their Theban liberators, Messenian Hoplites are trained to form dense infantry walls designed to withstand fierce enemy attacks. Lacking the more aggressive, lifelong military drill of their Spartan neighbours, this relatively untrained citizen levy may be good enough for defensive purposes, but will not be able to hold up against more elite or professional units.

Historical background

For centuries, the Messenians endured very harsh conditions following their subjugation as helots under Spartan rule. Their freedom finally arrived after Sparta’s defeat by the Theban general Epaminondas at the Battle of Leuktra (371 BC). Liberating the region, Epaminondas helped found the heavily fortified city of Messene at the foot of Mt. Ithome. The newly freed citizen body was organised into a classical hoplite phalanx heavily influenced by Theban doctrine, emphasising deep infantry lines to resist Spartan attempts at re-establishing their previous control over Messenian lands. Rather than attempting to build a powerful citizen army, Messene focused heavily on defence through fortification. The state constructed a massive nine-kilometre circuit of stone walls equipped with advanced artillery towers around Mt. Ithome. This stronghold was so important that Demetrius of Pharos famously advised Philip V of Macedon that if he held Acrocorinth and Ithome, he would hold the Peloponnese by "both horns of the ox" (Polybius 7.11).

In his Histories, Polybius offers a nuanced view of the Messenian character and foreign policy. He critiques Messene for often pursuing an isolationist neutrality or "peace at any price" (Polybius 4.31–33), arguing that its reluctance to fully commit to regional defensive pacts left it vulnerable to Aetolian plundering and Spartan tyranny. Yet, when called upon by their allies during the Social War (220–217 BC), Messene eagerly dispatched its finest troops, including 1,000 foot and 200 horse, to support Philip V (Polybius 5.20). Polybius notes their simple, un-military lack of precaution when they encamped under the walls of Glympeis without fortifications or guards, resulting in a surprise attack by Lycurgus of Sparta; even so, the Messenians reacted quickly under attack to secure their survival inside the town walls.

Despite their reputation for cautious diplomacy, Messenian hoplites were capable of remarkable tactical cunning and bravery. Pausanias (4.28.5) records an episode shortly after the Battle of Chaironeia (338 BC) where 1,000 picked Messenian hoplites marched on the city of Elis while bearing Laconian (Spartan) devices on their shields. Tricked by their shield designs, the pro-Spartan faction welcomed them directly into the citadel, whereupon the Messenians ambushed them, drove out the Spartan partisans, and secured the city for their allies.

Throughout the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Messene remained at the centre of Peloponnesian politics. While part of the Achaean League, it repelled a surprise night invasion by Nabis of Sparta in 201 BC, with the help of Philopoemen of Megalopolis, only to later break away from the League in 183 BC under Dinokrates. During this uprising, the elderly general Philopoimen, deemed "the last of the Greeks", was captured after finding himself behind enemy lines. Having made him their prisoner, the Messenians proceeded to debate over his fate. While some remembered how he had liberated them from tyrants, those who cited him as a dangerous enemy and advocated for his execution won, and he was given poison to have an honourable death. This prompted a retributive invasion by Polybius’ own father, Lykortas, who devastated Messene and re-annexed it into the League. He recovered Philopoimen's body, which "was cremated in a state funeral with the army in full regalia, while the populace wept inconsolably and hurled stones at the Messenian prisoners. The urn containing his ashes was carried from town to town before being hurled in Megalopolis by a procession led by Polybius" (Álvarez, ‘Philopoemen, the "Last of the Greeks", who Finally ended Sparta's Power’, in: Magazine Cultural Independiente [2024]).

Stats

Weapons

Defence

Condition and terrain

In battle: Can sap · Very good stamina

Who can recruit it

A core roster unit for one faction, which can raise it anywhere it holds the right building:

Messene

Any faction holding one of the provinces below can field it.

Areas of recruitment