Ekdromoi
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The Ekdromos (plural Ekdromoi) was the name of the Greek light hoplites. Their name means 'out-runners', because they were lightly armoured (with aspis and bronze helmet), fast infantry against the northern Barbarians (Thracians, Illyrians, or Scythians). They had a spear and short sword. They fought against the enemy light infantry (Illyrian axemen or swordsmen and Thracian peltasts). They often charged before the main body of the hoplite army to clear the field from the enemy missile units. After their army defeated the enemy, the light and fast ekdromoi pursued the routed enemy to achieve a total victory and to prevent the enemy from regrouping.
