Phalanx

A phalanx was a greek formation performed by hoplites. It involved the hoplites raising their large shields together and forming a shield wall. The large shields would protect the hoplite and the man to the left. The formation also called for the use of a 2 meter long spear called a doru. The hoplites would stab overhand or underhand with the spear towards the enemies. In battle the soldiers would advance towards the enemy and when they got close they would form the phalanx.

The phalanx started to decline during the 4th century when battles called for lighter troops to fight on the battlefield. A phalanx was slow moving and vulnerable to more mobile troops such as peltasts or archers.

Philip II took the principles of the phalanx and re-organized his troops to fight in the Macedonian phalanx.