Greek hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers in ancient Greece, known for their distinctive armor and fighting style. They typically carried a large round shield called a hoplon, a spear, and a short sword. Hoplites fought in a formation called a phalanx, where soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of shields and spears for protection and strength in battle. These warriors were primarily citizen-soldiers, meaning they were not professional soldiers but rather members of the polis (city-state) who took up arms when needed. The hoplite system played a crucial role in the military success of various Greek city-states, particularly during the Persian Wars.