Thorakites

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A thorakites (pl. Thorakitai) was a soldier similar to thureophoroi who may have worn a short mail shirt.

Contents 1 Role 2 Sources 3 Illustrations 4 Books

[edit] Role

Thorakitai were used in armies of the Hellenistic period to support light troops. They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat.

[edit] Sources

Thorakitai are mentioned twice in the army of the Achaian League and once in the Seleucid army by Polybios.

[edit] Illustrations

There is a tomb illustration from Sidon showing what could well be a thorakites. The fragmentary inscription indicates that he was an Anatolian.

[edit] Books

• Head, Duncan (1982). Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars. WRG.