Peltast

The peltast (Ancient Greek: πελταστής) was a type light infantry used in Acient Greece as Skirmishers. Originally, peltastes were light troops from Thrace (modern Romania) and its name comes from their light shield, called pelte. They wore no armor, which allowed they to move quickly on the battlefield. Each man carried several spears, usually one meter long.

Besides the greek cities, the peltasts were used in, at least, Macedonian and Persian armies.