On March 13, the Free Academy in Estonia will feature a lecture by Silver Sooväli focusing on the theme of Greek hoplites as part of a series dedicated to Greek-Roman warfare. The lecture intends to provide an in-depth look into the significance of hoplites, who formed the backbone of the ancient Greek city-state militaries, dominating battlefields during the archaic and classical periods, both in Greece and beyond. However, Sooväli emphasizes that these warriors did not arise in a vacuum and have undergone significant evolution over the centuries.

The presentation will explore the development of hoplites against the backdrop of the Bronze Age and the changes during the Iron Age, examining both military equipment and the broader social context surrounding these transformations. The lecture is part of a broader curriculum at the Free Academy that investigates the military history of the Greek city-states, Macedonia, and Rome, shedding light on three great civilizations of antiquity that became dominant powers during their respective eras. The lecture aims to analyze how these societies evolved in parallel and how their respective military strategies contributed to their successes.

Overall, this public lecture provides an important opportunity for those interested in ancient warfare and the evolution of military tactics, demonstrating the significance of hoplites not only as warriors but as key figures in the historical narrative of ancient civilizations that shaped the course of Western history.