The Hypaspists – The Elite Infantry Unit in Ancient Macedonia
The Hypaspists, an elite infantry unit in the armies of ancient Macedonia, hold a prominent place in historical and military narratives, particularly during the reign of Alexander the Great.
The name “Hypaspist” translates to “shield-bearer” or “shield-carrier,” reflecting their original function as soldiers who supported the phalanx by carrying shields and acting as skirmishers.
However, by the time of Alexander’s campaigns, they had evolved into a distinct and formidable fighting force, serving as one of the army’s most elite corps.
In various ancient sources, the role, structure, and significance of the Hypaspists are often intertwined with their leader’s strategic brilliance, and their mention provides valuable insights into their contributions to Macedonian warfare, especially in relation to other well-known military formations like the Macedonian phalanx.
Hypaspists in the Sources of Arrian
Arrian of Nicomedia, one of the most reliable historians of Alexander the Great’s campaigns, provides numerous references to the Hypaspists in his work, the Anabasis of Alexander. His accounts describe their role as an elite infantry unit that fought on the battlefield alongside the king and his close companions. Arrian often emphasizes their versatility and the critical role they played in several key engagements, particularly during sieges and the crossing of difficult terrain.
One of the earliest mentions of the Hypaspists in Arrian’s Anabasis is during the Battle of the Granicus in 334 BCE, where they were deployed in a supporting role to the main Macedonian infantry line. As the Macedonian phalanx, with its long spears (sarissas), advanced into battle, the Hypaspists were positioned to exploit gaps in the enemy lines and act as a flexible force capable of responding to the evolving dynamics of the battlefield. Arrian suggests that while the phalanx provided the backbone of the Macedonian army, the Hypaspists, with their agility and elite status, could perform more specialized tasks.
Arrian also mentions the Hypaspists during the Siege of Tyre in 332 BCE. In this famous engagement, the Hypaspists were used not only in direct combat but also in engineering roles, helping to build the siege works necessary for Alexander to take the heavily fortified island city. The mention of the Hypaspists in this capacity highlights their versatility and ability to adapt to non-traditional military roles when needed.
The Anabasis also chronicles their critical role in the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE, where they fought near Alexander himself. Their placement in the battle order was significant, stationed beside the Macedonian cavalry on the right flank, demonstrating their elite status and the trust Alexander placed in them. In the chaos of battle, Arrian records that the Hypaspists played a crucial role in holding the line against Persian assaults, allowing the cavalry to break through the Persian forces and achieve victory.
How did a small kingdom like Macedon take on the might of Persia?
Diodorus Siculus and the Hypaspists
Diodorus Siculus, in his Bibliotheca Historica, provides a broader account of the Macedonian army during the reign of Philip II and Alexander the Great. While his work is not as detailed as Arrian’s in terms of battle descriptions, Diodorus mentions the Hypaspists as part of the elite corps that accompanied Alexander on his campaigns.
Diodorus refers to the Hypaspists during the Indian campaign of Alexander, particularly during the crossing of the Hydaspes River in 326 BCE. The Hypaspists played a pivotal role in the engagement with King Porus’ army, especially in the maneuver that allowed Alexander to surprise his enemy by crossing the river during a monsoon. Diodorus highlights their discipline and capability in adapting to adverse conditions, further solidifying their reputation as a highly trained and adaptable unit within Alexander’s army.
Curtius Rufus and the Hypaspists’ Elite Status
Quintus Curtius Rufus, in his History of Alexander, offers a more dramatic and literary portrayal of the Macedonian king’s exploits. In Curtius’ work, the Hypaspists are often portrayed as close to Alexander, both physically and metaphorically. Curtius emphasizes the bond between the Hypaspists and Alexander, suggesting that their loyalty and elite training made them indispensable to the king’s success on the battlefield.
One of Curtius’ most vivid descriptions of the Hypaspists is in the context of the siege warfare that characterized much of Alexander’s campaigns. Curtius describes them as leading the assaults on fortified positions, particularly during the Siege of Aornos, where their bravery and skill in close-quarters combat were instrumental in securing Macedonian victory. This portrayal of the Hypaspists as an elite strike force capable of handling the most difficult and dangerous tasks is consistent with their role in other sources.
Curtius also suggests that the Hypaspists enjoyed a privileged status within the army, not only because of their proximity to Alexander but also because of the honor and recognition they received from him. This reflects the broader theme of loyalty and personal connection that was central to Alexander’s leadership style.
The Role of Hypaspists in Siege Warfare
In many ancient sources, the Hypaspists are portrayed as playing a key role in siege warfare, a type of combat that required different skills compared to traditional pitched battles. During sieges, the Hypaspists were often tasked with leading the assault on the enemy’s walls, climbing ladders, and engaging in brutal close-quarters combat to secure breaches. Their smaller shields and shorter spears made them more mobile than the phalanx, allowing them to excel in the confined and chaotic environment of siege warfare.
For example, at the Siege of Gaza in 332 BCE, the Hypaspists were at the forefront of the Macedonian attack on the city. Arrian and other ancient sources note that their courage and determination in these kinds of operations were critical to Alexander’s success in capturing heavily fortified positions. Their skill in both combat and engineering tasks during sieges set them apart from other units in the Macedonian army.
Hypaspists and their Role as Royal Guard
Another significant aspect of the Hypaspists’ role in the Macedonian army was their function as part of the royal guard. The ancient sources make it clear that Alexander often relied on the Hypaspists to protect him in battle, particularly when he personally led charges or engaged in risky maneuvers. This role as bodyguards not only highlights their elite status but also suggests that they were among the most trusted and capable soldiers in the army.
The Hypaspists were often positioned near Alexander during major battles, ready to come to his aid if necessary. This placement reflects the high regard in which they were held and the importance of their role in ensuring the safety of the king. In this sense, the Hypaspists were not just an elite fighting unit but also a symbol of Alexander’s control over his army and his ability to inspire loyalty among his troops.
Evolution of the Hypaspists: The Argyraspids
By the latter part of Alexander’s campaigns, particularly after the death of his trusted general Parmenion, the Hypaspists underwent a transformation, evolving into the Argyraspids, or “Silver Shields.” The Argyraspids are frequently mentioned in ancient sources as an even more elite subset of the Hypaspists, known for their bravery, loyalty, and effectiveness in battle.
The transformation of the Hypaspists into the Argyraspids is recorded by several ancient authors, including Arrian and Curtius. The Argyraspids earned their name from the silver shields they carried, a symbol of their elite status within the Macedonian army. These soldiers were veterans of Alexander’s campaigns, and their experience made them one of the most formidable units in the ancient world.
In particular, the Argyraspids played a crucial role in the final campaigns of Alexander in the east, as well as in the tumultuous period following his death, known as the Wars of the Diadochi. After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, the Argyraspids served under various successors, including Eumenes and Antigonus. Their reputation as the best soldiers in the Macedonian army continued, but their loyalty and ambition eventually led to their downfall, as they were betrayed and disbanded by Antigonus, who saw them as a threat to his power.
Modern Interpretations of the Hypaspists
Modern scholarship on the Hypaspists often focuses on their role as an elite unit within the broader context of Macedonian military reforms. Historians such as N.G.L. Hammond and A.B. Bosworth have emphasized the importance of the Hypaspists in the development of the Macedonian army, particularly their role in providing a flexible and mobile force that complemented the more rigid and slow-moving phalanx.
The evolution of the Hypaspists into the Argyraspids is also a topic of interest among modern scholars. This transformation is seen as a reflection of the changing nature of Alexander’s army as his campaigns progressed into more distant and difficult territories. The experience and loyalty of the Hypaspists, and later the Argyraspids, were crucial in maintaining the cohesion and effectiveness of the Macedonian army in the face of increasingly complex military challenges.
Conclusion
The Hypaspists were a vital component of the Macedonian army, serving as an elite and versatile force that played a key role in many of Alexander the Great’s most famous victories. The ancient sources, from Arrian to Curtius Rufus, consistently portray them as a unit that combined skill, loyalty, and bravery, making them one of the most important military formations of the ancient world. Their evolution into the Argyraspids further cemented their reputation as one of the finest fighting forces of their time, and their legacy continues to be studied and admired by historians today.
Questions and Answers about the Hypaspists
What does the term “Hypaspist” mean?
The term “Hypaspist” translates from Greek as “shield-bearer” or “armor-bearer”. It is derived from the verb ὑπασπίζειν, meaning to carry the shield for another person.
Who were the Hypaspists in the Macedonian army?
The Hypaspists were an elite Macedonian infantry corps that served under the Argead kings, Philip II and Alexander the Great. They played crucial roles in both the army and the royal court, often functioning as the court guard, distinct from the somatophylakia, who protected the king personally.
How were the Hypaspists referred to in Arrian’s writings?
Arrian refers to the Hypaspists as “the Shieldbearers of the Companions” (οἱ ὑπασπισταὶ τῶν ἑταίρων) during the Battle of Granicus in 334 BC. He also describes some Hypaspists in India as “companions” (ἑταίροι), emphasizing their close connection to Alexander.
The Hypaspists were also known as Foot-Companions (πεζέταιροι) during Alexander’s reign. This title likely reflected their innovation as a special infantry unit, serving closely with the king and his elite cavalry, the Companions.
How were the Hypaspists organized under Alexander the Great?
Under Alexander, the Hypaspists were divided into three regiments called chiliarchiai, each consisting of approximately 1,000 men. Unlike other phalanx units, which were recruited regionally, the Hypaspists were recruited from across the kingdom, reflecting their elite status.
What role did the Royal Corps play among the Hypaspists?
The Royal Corps, or agema, was the elite unit within the Hypaspists, constantly in the king’s service. They acted as the real physical royal guard, separate from the more political bodyguards of aristocratic youths. The agema was often treated as a distinct formation, underscoring its importance.
How were the Hypaspists involved in the major battles of Alexander’s campaigns?
The Hypaspists, particularly the Royal Corps, played crucial roles in several key battles. At the Battle of Issos in 333 BC and the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, they were commanded by Nikanor, son of Parmenion. They were also instrumental during the crossing of the Hydaspes in 326 BC, under Seleukos’ command.
What distinguishes the royal agema from the other Hypaspists?
While both the royal agema and the rest of the Hypaspists were elite units, the agema likely consisted solely of Macedonian nationals. The other regiments were recruited from broader regions, including the best infantry troops from across the Macedonian kingdom.
How did the size of the Hypaspists change during and after Alexander’s reign?
At the beginning of Alexander’s reign, the Hypaspists numbered around 3,000 men. Under the Diadochi (Alexander’s successors), this number doubled to 6,000, divided into 3,000 Silvershields (the elite veterans) and 3,000 ordinary Shieldbearers.
How were the Hypaspists paid and what distinguished some of them from regular soldiers?
Some Hypaspists, known as double-pay soldiers (dimoirites), received higher wages for their elite status and dangerous assignments. This distinction is highlighted in Ptolemy’s account of Alexander’s wounding in India, where double-pay men like Abreas were among the few to accompany Alexander over the battlements.
Could the Hypaspists fight in different formations?
Yes, the Hypaspists were highly versatile soldiers. They could fight in phalanx formation with long spears (sarissas) but were also trained for more flexible combat roles, such as serving as javelin-throwers or swordsmen in storming columns or fast-moving relief forces.
What were the Silvershields, and how did they evolve from the Hypaspists?
The Silvershields were the most elite veterans of the Hypaspists, emerging from the Royal Corps (agema). After Alexander’s death, they became a separate, prestigious unit during the Wars of the Diadochi, maintaining the legacy of the Hypaspists as elite infantry.
Why did Alexander the Great’s successors fight over his body?
What was the role of the Hypaspists in court and ceremonial duties?
The Hypaspists, particularly the Royal Corps, performed guard duties by rotation at the royal court. They were closely associated with the youthful Royal Bodyguards (somatophylakes), often causing confusion in the records regarding the roles and officers of the two corps.
How did Philip II and Alexander expand the Hypaspists’ role in the military?
Philip II reorganized and expanded the Hypaspists, integrating them into both court and military roles, similar to the function of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. Under Alexander, they became a key force in his conquest campaigns, acting as a flexible elite corps.
How did the Hypaspists differ from other light infantry, such as the peltasts under King Perseus of Macedon?
Although related in recruitment methods, the Hypaspists were more heavily armed and capable of fighting in a variety of formations, including the phalanx. In contrast, Perseus’ peltasts were lighter, javelin-throwing infantry with a more specialized role in battlefield tactics.
