Hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers in ancient Greece, primarily active from the 7th to the 4th centuries BCE. They typically fought in a phalanx formation, which involved tightly packed rows of soldiers, each equipped with a shield, a spear, and body armor. This formation allowed them to create a strong defensive line against enemy forces. The term "hoplite" comes from the word "hoplon," referring to the large round shield they carried. Hoplites were usually citizens of city-states, such as Athens or Sparta, and their military service was a key aspect of their civic duty. Their tactics and organization significantly influenced ancient warfare.