Iphicrates

Iphicrates
Native name
Ιφικράτης
Bornc. 418 BC
Diedc. 353 BC (aged c. 65)
AllegianceAthens
Years of service391 - 378 BC
Battles / warsCorinthian War
Battle of Lechaeum
ChildrenMenestheus and 1 other son
Imaginary drawing of Iphicrates
Peltasts on the Tomb of Payava (circa 360 BC), around the time of Iphicrates. They are equipped with the exomis, the pilos with crest and cheekpiece, and the round pelte shield, and are depicted thrusting overarm with a long spear.[1][2]

Iphicrates (Greek: Ιφικράτης; c. 418 – c. 353 BC[citation needed]) was an Athenian general, who flourished in the earlier half of the 4th century BC. He is credited with important infantry reforms that revolutionized ancient Greek warfare by regularizing light-armed peltasts.[3]

Cornelius Nepos wrote that Iphicrates was such a leader, that he was not only comparable to the first commanders of his own time, but no one even of the older generals could be set above him. He had a deep knowledge of military tactics, he often had the command of armies and he never miscarried in an undertaking by his own fault. He was always eminent for invention and excellence that he not only introduced much that was new into the military art, but made many improvements in what existed before.[4]

  1. ^ SMITH, A.H. A CATALOGUE OF SCULPTURE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GREEK AND ROMAN ANTIQUITIES. British Museum. p. 49.
  2. ^ The Numismatic Chronicle. Royal Numismatic Society. 2005. p. 83.
  3. ^ Sears, Matthew A. (March 2013). Athens, Thrace, and the Shaping of Athenian Leadership. Cambridge University Press. p. 65. ISBN 978-1107030534.
  4. ^ Cornelius Nepos: Life of Iphicrates, § 1