Macedonian Phalanx

The Macedonian Phalanx was a military formation used by ancient Macedonian armies, notably by King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great. It consisted of heavily armed infantry soldiers called "phalangites," arranged in tightly packed rows. They carried long spears called "sarissas," which were about 18 feet long, allowing them to strike enemies from a distance. This formation provided a strong defensive front and enabled coordinated attacks, making it effective in battles. The phalanx transformed warfare in the ancient world, emphasizing discipline and the collective strength of the unit rather than individual heroics.