Phalanx

Phalanx

The phalanx was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, or similar weapons. The term is particularly used to describe the formation used by ancient Greek armies, but similar formations were used by other cultures as well.

Ancient depiction of a phalanx on the Stele of the Vultures.

History

The phalanx formation dates back to ancient Sumer, as depicted on the Stele of the Vultures, and was later adopted by the ancient Greeks. The Greek phalanx was a formidable military formation that dominated the battlefields of the ancient world.

Illustration of a Greek phalanx.

Greek Phalanx

The Greek phalanx was typically composed of hoplites, heavily armed soldiers who carried large shields and long spears. The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder in ranks, creating a wall of shields and projecting spears. This formation was highly effective in frontal assaults and defensive stands.

Relief of a phalanx from the Mausoleum of Pericles.

Macedonian Phalanx

The Macedonian phalanx, developed by Philip II of Macedon and used by his son Alexander the Great, was an evolution of the traditional Greek phalanx. It featured soldiers known as pezhetairoi who wielded the sarissa, a long spear that allowed them to engage enemies at a greater distance.

Depiction of a Macedonian phalanx.

Tactics

The phalanx was a highly disciplined formation that required extensive training and coordination. Soldiers had to maintain their position and alignment to ensure the integrity of the formation.

A loose phalanx formation.

Tight vs. Loose Formation

Phalanxes could be arranged in tight or loose formations depending on the tactical situation. A tight formation provided greater defensive strength, while a loose formation allowed for more flexibility and maneuverability.

A tight phalanx formation.

Battle of Leuctra

The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC was a significant engagement where the Theban general Epaminondas used an innovative phalanx formation to defeat the Spartans. This battle demonstrated the potential for tactical innovation within the phalanx system.

Map of the Battle of Leuctra.

Decisive action at the Battle of Leuctra.

Decline

The phalanx eventually declined in prominence as new military tactics and formations emerged. The rise of the Roman legion, with its greater flexibility and adaptability, marked the end of the phalanx as the dominant military formation.

Related Pages

• Hoplite
• Sarissa
• Battle of Leuctra
• Alexander the Great