peltast

Light infantryman of ancient Greece, probably originating from Thrace in the 5th century BC. He carried a large shield, short sword, and spear but wore no body armour. The force was remodelled early in the 4th century BC by Iphicrates (died 348 BC), an Athenian general, and equipped with quilted tunics, leather leggings, longer swords and spears, and small round targes (light shields), or peltes, from which their name derives. This model became the standard in all Greek armies.

Light infantry ceased to be employed when the Macedonian phalanx (heavily armed infantry in solid formation) became the principal arm of warfare.