What was a phalanx and how did it work?

phalanx, in military science, tactical formation consisting of a block of heavily armed infantry standing shoulder to shoulder in files several ranks deep. Fully developed by the ancient Greeks, it survived in modified form into the gunpowder era and is viewed today as the beginning of European military development.

How did the phalanx formation work?

When engaging in battle, the phalanx would form a tight defence and advance towards the enemy. The defence would be held tight by the hoplite shields and greaves which formed a barrier on all sides of the unit. Each soldier was armed with a spear.

How do you use phalanx?

Right-clicking at the enemies will cause your phalanx to break formation, which defeat the purpose. Instead, give them move order to closing in the enemies. Up arrow for going front (advance), down for going back, right – left for strafing, and ctrl+right/left for rotating.

How the Romans beat the phalanx?

The phalanx relies on an unbroken front to be effective. The Romans, usually with their pilae or javelins, managed to open holes in the front of the phalanx, into which individual Roman soldiers could move, because they operated on a more flexible formation.

What did the Greek phalanx do if the line broke?

The opposing sides would collide, possibly severing many of the spears of the row in front and killing the front part of the enemy army due to the bone-breaking collision. The spears of a phalanx had spiked butts.

Why would the phalanx be such an effective formation?

One of the primary reasons for its success on the battlefield was the Phalanx formation. When engaging in battle, the phalanx would form a tight defence and advance towards the enemy. The defence would be held tight by the hoplite shields and greaves which formed a barrier on all sides of the unit.

How did the phalanx help Alexander?

This provided Alexander another phalanx formation to rival the one made up of now-grumbling Macedonian veterans; it also provided him a ready supply of pikemen, available for future conquests.

What innovations did Philip make to the phalanx?

Philip II improved on these military innovators by using both Epaminondas’ deeper phalanx and Iphicrates’ combination of a longer spear and smaller and lighter shield. However, the Macedonian king also innovated; he introduced the use of a much longer spear, the two-handed pike.

How did ancient Greece influence American Society?

Ancient Greece made a huge impact on America which is evident even today. The ancient Greeks helped to lay the foundations for art, literature, theater, math, science, architecture, engineering and warfare . In fact, practically every area of American lives is influenced by Ancient Greece.

Who invented the phalanx formation?

The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Achaemenid Empire and other armies.

Why was the phalanx effective?

There are many reasons why the phalanx was an effective formation overall, such as it being almost impervious to a frontal assault by either infantry, cavalry or archers.

What is the phalanx formation?

Phalanx formation. The phalanx (Ancient Greek: φάλαγξ, Modern Greek: φάλαγγα, phālanga; plural phalanxes or phalanges; Ancient and Modern Greek: φάλαγγες, phālanges) is a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes , sarissas, or similar weapons.