The Greek infantry, known as the hoplites, were heavily armed soldiers who played a crucial role in ancient Greek warfare. They typically fought in a formation called the phalanx, which consisted of rows of soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of shields and spears. This formation allowed them to effectively defend against enemy attacks and maintain a strong offensive. Hoplites were equipped with a round shield called a hoplon, a spear, and often wore bronze armor for protection. Their training emphasized discipline and teamwork, making the phalanx a formidable force on the battlefield. The success of Greek city-states, such as Athens and Sparta, was largely due to the effectiveness of their infantry.