How exactly did the ancient Greeks fight? Christopher Matthew conducts a masterful piece of experimental archaeology to discover the basic mechanics of the hoplite manual of arms. Using archaeological relics, modern reconstructions, and the willing assistance of the Sidney Ancients reenacting society, Matthews lays out a convince case for the lethality of close-order legion.

Simple biomechanics show that the spear was most likely held underarm, couched just under the armpit, or lower. The overhead pose commonly found of Greek pottery is simply impossible to maintain for more than a few minutes, strikes with less accuracy, and leaves vital gaps in defenses. The round aspis shield is full of clever devices to ensure proper positioning balanced on the left shoulder, providing cover without tiring out the hoplite. Bronze cuirasses and helmets can be penetrated by direct thrusts, but deflect glancing blows, and if made any thicker would impair mobility and endurance. The mechanics of the individual are sound and convincing, but I am less sure about his conclusions about how a phalanx would behave in battle. His arguments, that a close-order formation was all but invincible, yet required superior troops, and that most killing took place at spears' length rather than in a literal pushing crush, make sense, but for obvious reasons cannot be safely tested.

Matthew ably blends his experiments with historical backing from ancient chroniclers, including variant translations, artistic depictions and recovered artifacts. The scholarship is impressive, to say the least. There's some repetition, and Matthew at times seems to carry a grudge against other classicists who have never picked up a spear, and odd factions in the historical martial arts world that I can only begin to comprehend. Still, this is a great book, and I have to give props to a guy who turned his very geeky obsession in a PhD and a job.