For Hoplites (the heavily armed infantryman, the backbone of the Classical Greek army):
* Citizen-Soldiers: Most hoplites were citizen-soldiers, meaning they were not professional soldiers but rather farmers, craftsmen, or merchants who served when needed. This meant their military life was punctuated by periods of civilian life.
* Rigorous Training: Hoplite warfare required significant physical training and discipline. They trained regularly in their local phalanx (formation), practicing drills, marching, and weapon handling.
* Equipment and Expense: Hoplites provided their own equipment – a shield (aspis), spear (dory), sword (xiphos), and bronze armor – a significant financial investment that excluded poorer citizens.
* Campaigns: Campaigns could last for months, involving long marches, harsh weather, and periods of inactivity interspersed with intense fighting. Supplies were often scarce and foraging was common.
* Discipline and Hierarchy: The phalanx demanded strict discipline and obedience to officers. Desertion was severely punished.
* Casualties: Hoplite warfare was brutal, with high casualty rates in battles. The psychological impact of witnessing intense violence and death would have been significant.
* Glory and Honor: Despite the hardships, military service offered a path to glory and honor. Success in battle brought prestige and recognition within the community.
For other branches:
* Cavalry: Cavalrymen came from wealthier families, as horses and equipment were expensive. They enjoyed a higher social status than hoplites but faced similar dangers in battle. Their training focused on horsemanship and mounted combat.
* Navy: Naval service attracted a mix of citizens and mercenaries. Life at sea was arduous, with cramped conditions, poor sanitation, and the constant threat of storms and enemy attacks. Discipline was strict, and successful naval battles brought considerable rewards.
* Mercenaries: Mercenaries were professional soldiers who served for pay. They had more varied experiences than citizen-soldiers, potentially fighting for different states and facing different types of warfare. Their loyalty was to their paymaster, not necessarily a specific city-state.
General aspects of life in the Greek army:
* Limited pay: While some soldiers received pay, especially mercenaries, it was often meager.
* Food and supplies: Food and supplies were often rudimentary and depended on foraging, plunder, and whatever could be requisitioned from local populations.
* Disease: Disease was a major killer, especially during long campaigns or sieges. Sanitation was generally poor.
* Social interaction: Camaraderie amongst soldiers was important, particularly within the ranks of the phalanx. However, there would also be social divisions based on wealth and status.
In summary, life in the Greek army was demanding, dangerous, and varied significantly depending on the soldier's role and circumstances. It required physical strength, discipline, and resilience. While it offered opportunities for glory and honor, it also came with significant hardship, risk of death, and the psychological toll of intense violence.