Ancient Greek spears?

Question

It seems like the ancient Greeks put more emphasis on spears than swords, which I find a little odd. Was it because of the weakness of the metals at that time? Was it just their fighting style?

Answer 1

You're quite right that it had a lot to do with metallurgy.  During the classical period, the Greeks used Bronze, which although heavy, does have a tendency to bend if shaped into a slender shape such as a sword.  They tried to compensate for this by curving their swords, but it was still rather embarrassing to have to straighten your weapon after you had clunked it against another guys helmet.  Heavy bronze shields were fine for defense, and sharp, conical spearheads still delivered the desired effect on top of long wooden poles.  It wasn't until the Hittites developed iron that swords became a more formidable weapon.    

Answer 2

First, it has to do with the fact that Greece was originally a bronze age culture. Bronze is not very suitable for use in a war sword. it can be cast in pointy shapes very well, but doesn't hold a good edge, hence is more suitable for use in spears than swords or daggers.

Also, given that until fairly recently (and I mean modern times), metal was a fairly expensive material, even base metals like copper. Weaponry where only the business end was made of metal was more affordable to the soldier (remember that at those times, armies were made up of soldier citizens who had to provide their own equipment).

Answer 3

Hoplites used the phalanx formation which needed spears

Answer 4

The Ancient Greeks were famous for their hoplite -- a heavily armored fighter.  You brought up a great point about fighting style.  The Greeks used the phalanx formation.  The long spears hoplites used made much more sense than swords, because the spears enabled the hoplites to attack from behind shield walls.  Spears were also much cheaper and easier to make than swords.  It was not a matter of the weakness of metals.  It was more the comparative abundance of wood and not needing the expertise of a swordsmith.  The spears (and the other simple equipment of the hoplite) makes it easy for citizens of the city states to form armies.

Answer 5

I don't know a whole lot about it, but there is no way you could fight effectively with shields of that size. I don't know if the shields became that size because it's possible when using a shield, or if they used spears because their shields were that big. Interesting question. Hopefully someone who's done a bit more research will chime in!