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Abstract
The Boeotian army was one of the preeminent land forces during the classical period in Greece (approximately the fifth and fourth centuries BC). A detailed study was undertaken to elucidate the nature of this military power. By examining various forms of evidence, such as literary texts, inscriptions, coinage, and material remains, a comprehensive picture of the Boeotian army emerged. With the rise in the scale and frequency of wars between Greek city-states and leagues during the classical period, the Boeotian army relied ever more on lower-class men to fight its wars as light-armed troops and hoplites. Over time this increasing military significance of previously marginalized men served as a primary catalyst for political change. Integration of the Boeotian army led to the continual expansion of Boeotia's political system, which culminated in a broad-based democracy in fourth-century Greece.
