Spartan vs Samurai (A Deadliest Warrior Rematch)

I have recently discovered that this site allowed people to rematch Deadliest Warrior episodes. So here's my first take. I hope you like it!

The Spartan! Bronze-clad Greek war machines who turned back the mightiest empire of their time. The Samurai! Steel-wielding soldiers of Japan who cut their way into history!

Who is deadliest?

Spartans[]

The Spartans, also known as Spartiates, were the full-fledged citizens of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta. Over time, they became renowned for their combat prowess, forged through a society deeply rooted in militarism. This martial culture developed after the Spartans conquered the region of the Peloponnese, subjugating its native inhabitants and turning them into serfs known as helots. The constant tension and animosity between the Spartans and these subjugated peoples led Sparta to create a society centered entirely around military strength and discipline.

To prevent uprisings—and to ensure swift suppression if one occurred—every Spartan male was subjected to a rigorous military training program known as the agoge. Beginning at the age of seven, Spartan boys were trained in endurance, obedience, and warfare. Over time, this system produced a formidable heavy infantry force skilled in hoplite warfare. This militarized culture served Sparta well during its many conflicts, both against other Greek city-states and against the powerful Persian Empire, which invaded Greece in 480 BC. The Spartans’ dominance during this period came to be known by historians as the Spartan Hegemony.

Weapons[]

Main: Doru - The main offensive weapon of a Spartan hoplite, which was 8-feet long and had a broad, leaf-shaped iron blade. It also has another metal tip at the rear that could be used as a secondary weapon and served as a counter-weight. The weapon was mainly used for stabbing, since throwing a spear at that time was considered unmanly by Greek hoplites. The doru was used to stab at foes and keep enemy cavalry at bay.
Secondary: Xiphos - This was a double-edged short sword that had a length of 2-feet and was made of iron. The xiphos was used during intense close-quarters combat as its shorter blade could be used in a throng, easily pinpointing an opponent's unarmored parts. To use the xiphos effectively, the Spartan would pin his opponent using his shield, and stab at his neck, eyes, armpits, waist, or groin.
Back-up: Kopis - This was another Spartan short sword that had a single-edged 2-feet blade with a broad tip, similar in design to a machete. The kopis was used in ad hoc infantry skirmishes or fast-moving engagements that didn't involved tight formations. When space was available, the Spartan could whip out his kopis and create damage through large wide cuts and slashes.

Armor[]

Headgear: Corinthian Helmet - This was an enclosed bronze helmet that protected the Spartan's head, face, and even the nose, with the only openings being the eyes and the mouth. Besides being made of bronze, another layer of leather was added inside to decrease blunt-force trauma. Slits were made so that the helmet could be worn like a hat. In battle, the helmet offered massive protection, though it also blunted the user's hearing.
Main: Metal Cuirass - This was the armor that protected the Spartan's torso, either made of bronze that had been shaped like a bell or a muscular physique, or made of glued linen reinforced by bronze scales and plates. The cuirass offered protection against nearly everything from slashes, stabs, and arrow fire.
Lower: Greaves - This was a sort of footwear made of either brass or bronze with felt padding underneath. It guarded and protected the Spartan's shins from attacks coming from below. Some designs could simply be clasped while others used straps and buckles.
Back-Up: Aspis - The iconic Spartan shield that was circular-shaped, between 80 cm to 100 cm wide, and weighed 7 kg. The shield was made of three parts: a layer of hardened leather, strips of oakwood and thick bronze, and was strapped unto the hoplite's forearm. It was also convex so as to allow an umbrella-like protection against arrow fire, spears, swords, and blunt-force trauma. Although the idea of "shoving" or "othismos" is heavily debated, the shield could still be used to keep enemies at bay. It was also light enough to be raised above one's head to protect from arrows raining from above, and the hoplite could rest the rim on his shoulder to decrease fatigue. Additionally, leather flaps were attached at the bottom to block low-flying arrows.

Tactics[]

Phalanx Warfare: During the Greco-Persian Wars, Spartan strategy was mainly cautious and defensive, which worked perfectly due to their extensive use of heavy infantry. In battle, the Spartans positioned themselves in favorable terrain, either on high ground or in naturally fortified areas like mountain passes. They then form several files or columns that could number upwards to 50 men, with regular rotations to relieve exhausted or injured soldiers. While historians debate on whether the Spartans actually interlocked their shields, the large congregating bodies of hoplites still created a near impenetrable bronze wall, capable of blocking storms of arrows, stopping cavalry charges with spears, and killing incoming infantry with swords. Physical and mental strength, as well as discipline, were needed to ensure that said wall remained intact all throughout. To break stalemates, select groups of men sallied forth during a lull in the fighting, butchering any resting enemies they could find, before rushing back to friendly lines. To do this, Greek hoplites trained themselves to sprint in full armor.
- This tactic was used by the Spartans during the Battle of Sepiea that occurred somewhere in 494 BC. Accurate events of the battle prove tenuous due to having only two historical records, both of which spiced up the engagement with exaggerations and embellishment. Whatever the case, historians believed that the battle played out much simpler. King Cleomenes I of Sparta decided to invade neighboring Argo, but halted upon discovering that the already prepared Argive Army had formed themselves up a hill. Rather than risking it, Cleomenes I marched his army to another nearby hill called Tiryns. They were pursued by the Argives, who positioned themselves opposite of the Spartans. As the battle devolve into stagnancy, Cleomenes I ordered several Spartans to sneak into the Argive camp at night, and attack them using the cover of darkness. The total butchery was said to have left 6,000 dead Argives, though this again, could be an exaggeration.

Samurai[]

*"Go into battle determined to die, and you shall live. Go into battle hoping to live, and surely you shall not."* — Uesugi Kenshin

The Samurai were the military class of feudal Japan and the most elite warriors of their time. Like many warrior castes throughout history, the samurai emerged from the ranks of feudal landlords known as daimyō. These daimyō ruled vast territories across Japan, which created a need for skilled warriors to guard their lands and enforce their rule. Over time, these retainers became known as samurai, and their importance grew so greatly that they came to shape Japan’s culture, philosophy, and attitudes toward warfare.

The samurai also played a crucial role in their daimyō’s rise to power, leading to the establishment of military governments under rulers known as shogun. Samurai of the Kamakura Shogunate proved their valor by repelling the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281. Centuries later, during the era of civil war known as the Sengoku Jidai (“Age of Warring States”), the samurai once again demonstrated their martial prowess as rival daimyō vied to unify Japan. The samurai’s prominence declined following the Meiji Restoration of the mid-19th century, when the shogunate was abolished and Japan established a modern, professional army.

Weapons[]

Main: Mochi-Yari - This was a type of "holding spear" that replaced the bow as the most preferred weapon of the samurai. The spear could reach lengths of up to 16-feet with a steel tip. It was mainly a cavalry weapon, either used as a lance to jam into tightly-packed opponents, or to do slashings strokes by literally standing up atop a horse's back, and striking at opponent's who were at the sides. The spear could be used on-foot, though its length made it mostly effective in sieges when the user was on top a castle wall.
Side: Katana - The most iconic weapon of the samurai that was a 3-feet long and had a single-edged curved steel blade. This two-handed sword was used when the spear was lost or when the samurai was unhorsed. The blade was made of tough folded steel and could easily lop off heads. It was both an on-foot and on-horseback weapon.
Back-Up: Wakizashi - This was a 2-feet long small sword that was partnered with the katana. Like the latter, the wakizashi was made of tough steel and had a single-edged curved blade. The wakizashi was used when the samurai had to fight in tight spaces, when he was disarmed of his katana, or when he needed to commit seppuku.

Armor[]

Headgear: Kabuto - The main helmet of the samurai that was made from a dome covered in plates of iron or hardened leather. The kabuto was often partnered with a shikoro, which was a neck guard that protected the neck and even the shoulders. Additionally, the samurai also wore the menpo, which was a facial mask made of leather that gave the samurai a frightening appearance.
Main: Dō - The armor used to protect a samurai's torso, which could either be made up of traditional laced lamellar (consisting of kozane scales or larger ita-mono plates), or a whole steel plate similar to European designs. The cuirass protected the samurai from nearly everything aside from high-caliber firearms. Normally, a skirt-like armor made of iron plates known as the kusazuri, was also attached to protect the hips.
Lower: Haidate - These are the armor that shielded the samurai's thighs, and were often made of either cloth or chainmail covered with small iron or leather plates. This was one of the most essential part of the samurai garb together with the kabuto and the dō.
Back-Up: Horo - This was stiffened cloak worn on the back of mounted men and was given shape by being stretched over a light bamboo framework. The horo was used to catch enemy arrows by billowing out once the samurai went for a gallop. It also had an intimidating factor, making the samurai appear larger when riding.

Tactics[]

Multi-Pronged Assaults: By the time of the Warring States Period, mounted samurai had evolved from simple living "mobile platforms" to elite shock cavalry. With the lance as his main weapon, the samurai grouped themselves into vanguards, based on familial affiliation. The numbers of these vanguards could range from as little as 100+ to 500+ men. When faced with an enemy, these groups of samurai would simultaneously charge in different designated areas, with the objective of continuously battering the enemy until defenses weaken and a breach was made. Mounted samurai preferred charging at the flanks, though they could also attack from the front or from the rear. Bravery and tenacity were essential in making this tactic work, as samurai were sometimes forced to charge even against arrow storms and gunfire. Large mounts strong enough to carry armored samurai even while standing were utilized. If dismounted, the samurai was expected to continue his assault even in impending death, as per bushido.
- This tactic was seen during one of the last successful cavalry charges in Feudal Japan, the Battle of Mikatagahara on January 25, 1573. At a flat plain, two feudal armies converged, one led by Takeda Shingen, and the other by Tokugawa Ieyasu. In an effort to stop Shingen from passing through his territory, Ieyasu left the safety of Hamamatsu Castle and arrayed his men in a large line. Seeing his opponent in the open, Shingen let loose his mounted samurai. The samurai braced through the gunfire of the Tokugawa musketeers, and slammed into the Tokugawa right. After creating an opening, the Takeda horsemen poured further into the fray while other samurai wheeled around and attacked from the rear. As the Tokugawa line weakened, Shingen performed a coup de grace using a two-pronged attack, creating devastating losses and dissolving the Tokugawa forces.

X-Factors[]

Training

Spartans were infamous in history for their upbringing. A Spartan child began his training at 7 years old, one of the youngest for a warrior class. He was taken from home and lived in a military barracks where he was indoctrinated into the Spartan institution, with his athleticism honed through the 3 "Ds" (dance, drills, and deadly weapons). There was also a lot of child abuse involved. By the age of 12, Spartan boys get to taste their first kill as members of the crypteia. Their job was to roam around Sparta and cull the helot population, either by assassinating prominent helots or killing anyone they found walking at night. By the time of adulthood, they were seasoned killers.

On the other hand, Japanese samurai began training somewhere between 5-12 years old, though it was non-standardized, and different clans use various ways of rearing and teaching promising samurai. Nevertheless, a samurai boy was taught bravery and valor through heroic stories. As they grew older, they were taught to use their first weapons, either a bow or a horse. In time, they get to hold heavier ones through training in sojutsu and kenjutsu. A young samurai could participate in battle as early as 16, though he may already have some fighting experience through informal feuds with other youths, or wanton slaughter of innocents, not uncommon to modern-day young street gangs.

Experience

Before the arrival of the Persians, Sparta was faced by both internal and external threats, which shaped how they generally fought. Messenian helots, in particular, was a regular hazard. Although there had only been two recorded Spartan-Messenian Wars at that time, there may have been smaller unrecorded insurgencies that were serious enough to warrant Spartan militarization. However, those that really challenged Spartans were their fellow Greek hoplites from Corinth, Thebes, Athens (their frenemy), and Argos (their archival). The Archemeanid Empire also provided a new challenge, as it was the first time that the Spartans fought a foe that truly specialized in long range combat, compared to the usual skirmishers and light infantries. Persian archers and cavalry proved problematic, though Spartans eventually managed to overcome these foreign units.

The constant warfare of the Sengoku Jidai offered the samurai a ton of experience. Samurai were not just contending against fellow samurai, they were up against a plethora of other Japanese warriors, such as levied peasants, archers, matchlock-wielding ashigaru, warrior monks called the sohei, pseudo-shinobi guerrilla units from the provinces of Iga and Koga, other mercenaries, and radical Christian rebels who sought to destabilize the country. Warfare was so constant that a samurai could lose a lord but be employed to a new one just as easily (ala ronins). Decades of warfare within Japan spilled into neighboring countries, particularly a few Japanese invasions of Korea that pitted them against Korean and Ming Dynasty Warriors, with little success.

Logistics

Though land in Sparta and the slaves who toiled them were state-owned, Spartans citizens were assigned to specific plots to govern and develop. This effectively made Spartans similar in status to aristocratic gentry; basically people who didn't need to work but still earned a lot. Because of this, every Spartan was capable of arming themselves a full panoply of armor and weapons. This also include the ability to maintain them. The advantage allowed Sparta to dominate fellow Greeks whose cheap weapons were of lower quality.

While mounted samurai were technically the pinnacle of a Japanese warrior, armed by the best that a rich lord could provide, such expenses wasn't always eternal. A lord could still face financial problems, forcing even a well-armed samurai to make do with what he had. Limited funds could mean that a samurai had little ways of fixing damaged equipment, made worse by passing them to descendants in order to save money. A few samurai were so poor that they had to rent armour and weapons, and take part-time jobs such as becoming writers, teaching at martial art schools, or partaking in illegal activities.

Warrior Code

The so-called Spartan code was a custom that Spartans were said to follow, although historians could only theorize what it was from historical records that non-Spartans have written. The most constant military custom was putting importance to an aspis shield, as losing one could mean cowardice and dishonor. Discipline was also highly praised in contrast to suicide recklessness, as Spartans believed that the best soldiers were those who fight while still wishing to live. Other more fanciful customs include walking without making a sound, putting the state above himself, and using limited words when talking (resulting in the laconic speech, which made some of the best one-liners in history).

The term Bushido first appeared after the 1630s as Japan finally became at peace, but the culture and tradition from the previous bloody decades began to be written down. Bushido came into being as a coalition of different localized, clan-based and domain-specific writings on how a samurai should behave ("way of the warrior"). That being said, many of these beliefs were constant and similar. Honour, bravery and prowess in battle were valued above life itself. They must fight to their last breath, or take their own lives if a battle was lost. Like other feudal warrior class, a samurai must always follow his lord, and put the latter's desires above his own.

Notes[]

The battle takes place on neutral territory. The Spartans have positioned themselves inside a mountain pass, in between high steep rocky mountains. Meanwhile, the samurai have camped themselves a distance away from the opening of said area, and will be on horseback. The battle ends if one group surrender, retreat, or becomes completely annihilated.
When it comes to time periods, I chose the eras that are most iconic for these two warrior groups. The Spartans of this battle will be during the Greco-Persian Wars while the Japanese samurai will be from the Sengoku Jidai. For references, I used several resources but primarily took information from Philip Matyszak's Sparta: Rise of A Warrior Nation, Stephen Turnbull's Nagashino 1575: Slaughter at the Barricades, and Jonathan Clements' A Brief History of the Samurai.
There will be 5,000 Spartan hoplites facing 4,000 mounted samurai.
- I decided on the Spartan numbers based off of the largest army they assembled during the Greco-Persia Wars. While Philip Matyszak said that Sparta could have fielded between 7,000 to 8,000 hoplites at that time, the largest they managed to send was 5,000 during the Battle of Platea. This was done in order to retain men who would defend Sparta in case the Persians and their allies won.
- I chose 4,000 for the samurai because this was the largest number of mounted samurai that was ever assembled by one clan during the Warring States Period. The Takeda Clan could have as many as 4,254 cavalrymen, but could only field 4,031 in order to conduct other tasks such as protecting vital lines. Also, horses and the men who could ride them were expensive.
I didn't include ranged weapons because the warriors probably didn't use them, at least during their respective time periods.
- For the Spartans, Philip Matyszak didn't list javelins or any throwing spears in the Spartan hoplite's arsenal. According to him, throwing one's spear was considered unmanly for hoplites at that time. I tried looking for other sources but from what little I gathered, there's little detail on how the javelin may have been utilized if they were done so. So decided to forgo them.
- For the samurai, Turnbull and Clements both stated that the yumi bow had been largely replaced by the spear as the primary weapon of a mounted samurai, and anyone who chose to carry one was an exception, rather than the norm. A samurai could still use a bow if he wanted to, but he would rely on someone to bring the weapon to him during a battle. And in this battle, no outside help will be allowed.