Per the Spartans. Interesting show used to be on Netflix called Most Dangerous Warrior. Attempted to show combat between various warriors of different periods who would never have met in reality.
One of the things I found most interesting was the effectiveness in combat of the Spartan, actually hoplite as all the Greeks of the time were outfitted about the same, weapon system.
Turns out that big heavy round shield is not only a great protection, it’s a kick-ass weapon itself. Bash into somebody, knock em off their feet and spear them while they’re down. Or bash em in the head with the side of that 25 pound shield.
In the final showdown, the Spartan beat the samurai, mostly because of that shield.
I was a classics major for a while and used to know Greek history very well. I think the main reason the Spartans (and other Greek heavy armed soldiers) were so successful against Persians etc. was their really good armor and shields.
Why the Persians ever thought wicker armor was good, I probably will never understand. At least it was light tho.