ooden lance for the phalanx formation and a short sword for in close fighting. The round shield was strapped to the left forearm and gripped by a leather strap with the left hand at the opposite end. In the third century B.C. (the 200's) the round shield evolved into a more door-like shield. The shields were easily carried on the back when travelling and were commonly used as a stretcher for carrying the dead off the field of battle. The soldiers were traditionally required to provide for their own weapons and armor, but eventually the responsibility fell to the government and the costs were deducted from the soldiers' pay. There were a variety of reasons for this transfer of responsibility including the state's ability to buy quality armor for all and the benefits of soldiers fighting in armor to which they are accustomed. There is also an aesthetic benefit to having all soldiers, weapons, and banners of the same appearance, not to mention the economic benefit for the city-state when all weapons and armor for the army must be bought within the city-state....
