This volume investigates the military practices of ancient Greece, focusing on the period before the Hellenistic era. It draws upon a wide range of primary sources, including literary texts, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence, to reconstruct the daily life, training, and combat methods of Greek soldiers. The work aims to provide a detailed and accurate account of hoplite warfare and the broader military landscape of the ancient Greek world.

This work is recognized as a foundational text in the study of ancient Greek military history. Scholars have noted its meticulous research and comprehensive approach to reconstructing military practices from limited evidence. The book is considered an essential resource for understanding the evolution of warfare in the ancient Greek world, providing a detailed and authoritative overview.