 They bore a "thureos", an oval shield, and were armed with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their tactical use.It seems that the "thorakitai" were heavily armored "thureophoroi", able to bear spears and do battle in a phalanx as well as engage in irregular warfare in situations when such an action was required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough terrain.One view is that the "thorakites" were a final step in the development of the peltasts.