Based in the UK, the Hoplite Association was formed in 2001 as the first reenactment society in the world solely dedicated to recreating the life and experiences of the classical Greek period. Whilst there have been individuals or elements of existing reenactment groups who had previously 'had-a-go', and indeed still do, the benefits of a dedicated group quickly became apparent and have brought us to the forefront of understanding in the interpretation of ancient Greek military activity.

For example, any hardy web-searcher looking for information on how to make composite armour would quickly come across a couple of notable attempts by individuals on their own sites. All very credible, but acting alone you loose the benefit of shared experimentation and learning. You seek something that appears to 'look' right, the sheer cost of experimentation means that whatever you produce you have to use and the net result is really one of broad representation rather than historical re-creation.

Association armourers, working on multiple examples, have not only been able to form hypotheses around the most likely construction materials and methods, but have also created, revised and reviewed the underlying pattern in order to understand why it would be built in the shape it was and the advantages that this type of construction has.

On this very point the foundation of the Hoplite Association rests. Of course we exist for the amusement of members and the education of the public first and foremost, but the basis of that existence is grounded in the principles of interpretive archaeology. Amongst our membership are people who delight in researching those small details that make a difference. Yes, we use whatever we have available as the sheer costs of re-enacting can be vast, BUT we can and do explain where the flaws lie and how we have come to understand that they exist in the first place.

This website exists, quite simply, as a portal to explain what we do and provide information for members and interested parties alike. More specific, reenactment related data can be found on our sister site at www.4hoplites.com.

New members are always welcomed and if you are interested in joining please click here.

Executive Committee

The death of a Hoplite - the end of an era. His memory will live on

PAUL ALLEN

How many will remember him

Updated: 13th March 2008

Events, news and sundry changes