Thorakitai

: θωρακίτης, thorakites) were a type of soldier in Hellenistic armies similar to the thureophoroi.

The literal translation of the term is "cuirassiers", which suggests that they may have worn a short Celtic mail shirt or possibly a linothorax.

They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat.

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.