Neodamodes Hoplitai

Not all warriors in a Laconian host are Hoplitai, much less true Spartans - that role falls upon the Spartan-born Homoioi, or peers. Instead, when so needed, the Laconian nation can call upon a vast number of slaves to serve in whatever position it desires.

Such is the role of the Neodamodes - the "new provincials" as their nomenclature is roughly translated. Yet, as befitting their status &mdash; slaves promised manumission following the completion of their service, the Neodamodes cannot, in contrast with many other units of the Laconian army, be expected to fight well, much less be equipped for the task, given the Spartan fear of slave uprisings. Yet while most slaves are usually expected to perform the less glamorous roles of logistics, engineering and forage, the strongest amongst them who can function as frontliners are often given an aspis and a dory, and are best used as a moveable meat shield - albeit, a rather expensive one - for drawing an enemy's fire away from your more valuable Homoioi and Logades units.