Ancient Greek warfare enemy, making frontal assaults much more difficult. It also allowed a higher proportion of the soldiers to be actively engaged in combat at a given time (rather than just those in the front rank). The phalanx formed the core of ancient Greek militaries. Because hoplites were all protected by their own shield and others’ shields and spears, they were relatively safe as long as the formation didn't break. When advancing towards an enemy, the phalanx would break into a run that was sufficient to create momentum but not too much as to lose cohesion. The opposing sides would collide viciously,
Thracian language by ancient sources considered explicitly of Thracian origin and known meaning An additional 180 Thracian words have been reconstructed. The proposed Thracian words in the Ancient Greek lexicon are not numerous. They include the "parth-" element in Parthenon; "balios" ("dappled"; < PIE "*bhel-", "to shine", Bul. "bel/bial" (бял) "white" or "bljaskav" 'bright, shiny'; Pokorny also cites Illyrian as a possible source, the non-Greek origin is argued on phonological grounds), "bounos", "hill, mound". The Thracian horseman hero was an important figure in Thracian religion, mythology, and culture. Depictions of the Thracian Horseman are found in numerous archaeological remains and artifacts from