Talk:Argyraspides

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The aspis was the shield used by the Macedonian-style phalanx, smaller and lighter than the traditional Greek hoplon. The usual translation into English is "Silvershields."
The argyraspides were the survivors of Alexander's foot companions, the elite portion of the phalanx, selected for size, speed, birth, and courage. Diodorus says most of them were over 60 years of age and were the most experienced, dangerous, and prestigious unit to participate in the wars of the Successors.
The foot companions (pezetairoi) are also known as hypaspists (hypaspistai), "shield bearers" or "shield-bearing (companions)," as opposed to Alexanders lance-armed and shieldless cavalry complanions (hetairoi).
The unit was probably founded by Phillip II, Alexander III's father.
They turned on Eumenes because Antigonus had captured their baggage train, including all the souvenirs (and families) they had collected during their decades up-country with Alexander.
While the rank and file was dispersed by Antigonos, the leadership (Antigenes and another gentleman whose name escapes me) was buried alive.
The o in argyroaspides and chrysoaspides should be elided: argyraspides, chrysaspides "golden shields". --Fulminouscherub 21:17, 21 December 2005 (UTC)