Combat Posts

I shall not bring dishonour on my sacred arms nor shall I abandon my comrade wherever I shall be stationed... And so begins the Ephebic Oath sworn by all young male Athenians at their induction into the college that would forge them into citizens. Honour in battle was important to Hellenistic cultures and, as the gods watched, it was not whether you won but how you fought that marked you in the gods' sight. Excessive pride, or hubris, was a crime in many states, so boasting about good behaviour had its limits! The infantry was at the heart of any Greek-style army and fitness was part of basic military training. Having sworn their allegiance, soldiers had to be prepared to fight anywhere. Service in the army was an honour and great pride was taken in upholding Greek culture: "I shall not leave my city any less when I die but greater than when I was born!"