Terminology

Peltast is simply the actual ancient Greek word for javelin troops, and the label applied to most ancient European soldiers of this type. It actually referred to the small bucklers or Pelte they carried, to ward off slings, arrows and spears. Peltasts were often used to neutralize heavy infantry using hit and run attacks. The Peltasts first appeared in Thrace, and revolutionized Greek warfare in such battles as Sphacteria, and Syracuse. I prefer this single word to saying Javelin troops.
[Terratheon]