Greeks

Ancient Greece 700-450 BC

Hoplites or infantrymen were citizen-soldiers who provided their own armor and weapons. The Phalanx formation they employed called for men to line up in close formation with their long spears extended before them. The men behind rested their spears on the men in front. The formation moved as one and pushed against their opponents, also in phalanx formation, until one side gave way. The losing side quickly dispersed and battles rarely lasted more than an hour. This approach worked as long as both sides used the same strategy. Over time the Greeks realized that less armor improved agility and so the Corinthian helmets were replaced with lighter designs.

The brass Corinthian helmets have lasted through time and can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Materials Needed:

Paper version:

Yellow construction paper (12 in. x 18 in.) – 2 pieces

Blue or your choice of color for crest construction paper (12 in. x 18 in.) – 2 pieces

Tape (clear packing tape)

Glue stick or glue

Scissors

Duct tape version:

Brown paper bag - 2

Yellow and blue (or your choice of color) duct tape – 1 each

Scissors – bandage scissors or other sharp scissors work best for cutting duct tape

Other options:

Laminate construction paper - to extend the life of the hat (buy by the roll and buy good quality). Low quality laminate will separate from paper quickly.

Foam sheets – large (12 in. x 18 in.) or by the roll (18 in. x 72 in.) Tape on the inside when possible, use transparent duct tape on exterior when necessary.