Greaves were one of the more fundamental pieces of hoplite armor, protecting the foot and lower leg that weren’t covered by the shield. They were made from a single piece of bronze, going from the top of the knee to the top of the ankle. They were lined with leather or felt – on many originals you can still see the small holes where the lining was stiched in. They didn’t generally have straps – the bronze was springy enough to clip into place.
Greaves were extremely common, appearing on virtually any representation of a hoplite, even when they have no other armour other than a hoplon and a helmet. Unlike medieval leg armour, hoplite Greaves usually mimic anatomical features and were often elaborately decorated.
For re-enactors, good quality greaves can be hard to find. The best reproductions of hoplite greaves are made to measure, as off-the-shelve versions tend to be too big and fit poorly.
