Description
North of Sparta, in the mountains between the Oenus and Eurotas rivers, the Skiritai people dwelled. They lived a primarily unassuming, rural life in what most would consider inhospitable conditions, yet their territory was of vital strategic value to the Spartans as it controlled the road to Tegea, one of the most important religious centres in ancient Greece. The Skiritai comprised a lochos - or battalion - of elite light infantry whose fighting prowess on the extreme left of the battle line was so respected that the position was reserved exclusively for them. They were also sentinels, riding ahead of the army, and were the only units allowed to precede the king, making sure the way was clear before he arrived.
