hypaspistae

HYPASPISTAE(ὑπασπισταί). [EXERCITUSp. 778 a. ]

(ὑπασπισταί). The shield-bearers in the Greek army, who followed the heavy-armed warriors and carried a portion of their burdensome equipment, principally the shield, the necessary baggage, and the usual provision for three days. Among the Macedonians the light infantry were so called to distinguish them from the heavy φαλάγγιται (see hoplites) and the archers. They wore a round felt hat (see causia), a linen jerkin, and had a long dagger and a short hand-pike. They were a standing body of 6000 men, and in war formed the king's body-guard. See exercitus.