The Greek spearhead was the integral part of the main weapon of the hoplites or citizen-soldiers of the City-states of Ancient Greece. These foot soldiers were heavily armed and their primary weapon was the spear or doru, which ranged in length from 6 to 18 feet, and which could be used as a spear or as a pica. The shorter design was used as a launch weapon. The first models were made of bronze, but iron, once it could be used, became the material of choice for the Greek spearhead. The hoplites also carried a short sword called xiphos that was used after the spear broke.