The phalanx (pl.: phalanxes or phalanges) [1] was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar polearms tightly …

The ancient Sumerian army fielded a standard six-man-deep phalanx; the first line went into battle carrying large, rectangular shields, and the troops bore heavy pikes and battle axes.

Jan 18, 2012 · The phalanx formation was a close-rank, dense grouping of warriors armed with long spears and interlocking shields. The Greek hoplite soldier provided his own weapon (a seven- or …

The word and its senses passed into Latin and then were adopted into English in the 16th century. These days, a phalanx can be any arranged mass, whether of persons, animals, or things, or a body …

The phalanx was a cornerstone of ancient Greek military strategy, embodying the principles of discipline, unity, and collective strength. Its evolution from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period marked …

Feb 16, 2025 · The phalanx formation was a revolutionary military tactic that defined Greek warfare from the Archaic period (c. 800–500 BCE) through the Hellenistic era (323–31 BCE).

Phalanx Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.