Quote Originally Posted by Cataphract_Of_The_City
If they used an even smaller shield that the Iphicratean one (which was already small) then why would they need to strap it to their neck?
The argive shield as it was said before weighted about 8 or more kilos (the whole armor and weapons 30) it was supported by arm and shoulder
(thats why there was the rim). Iphikrates introduced not a reformed hoplite but a new unit. Something between the staying power of hoplites and mobility of peltastes. They were something like reformed ekdromoi. Boots were introduced for first time to increace mobility, smaller shield without rim, longer spear so it would strike from safe distance the heavier hoplites, linothorax or leather armour, thracian helmet for better view and hearing. They became very popular after they defeated spartan ''mores'' more than one time. Some say that Phillipos took the idea of phalangites from them. They had even longer spear 6-9 meters smaller shield supported by hand and a neck strap. If anybody here being in army will know how tiring can be to hold something even as light as 3 kilos by hand for too much time.