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Why was the phalanx so powerful?
The extreme length of the sarissa meant that up to five layers of pikes protruded ahead of the front man – allowing the phalanx to steamroll any opponent. So long as its rear and flank were protected, the formation was extremely powerful both as a defensive and an offensive weapon.
Why was the Hoplite phalanx so successful on the battlefield?
Its effectiveness depended on how well the hoplites could maintain this formation in combat, and how well they could stand their ground, especially when engaged against another phalanx. The more disciplined and courageous the army, the more likely it was to win. Hoplites’ shields were not locked all of the time.
What was the phalanx formation used for?
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.
What was the effect of hoplite warfare on the Greek Poleis?
Hoplite warfare effected the Greek poleis in that it was start of democracy. Since the hoplites were also everyday citizens, they wanted to have a say in what wars they were fighting in.
What does helots mean in ancient Greece?
helot, a state-owned serf of the ancient Spartans. The ethnic origin of helots is uncertain, but they were probably the original inhabitants of Laconia (the area around the Spartan capital) who were reduced to servility after the conquest of their land by the numerically fewer Dorians.
Why was the phalanx so effective in battle?
(more)Loading…. 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.
Who invented the phalanx in ancient Greece?
The spear-carrying phalanx, or massed formation of closely ranked men, was used by Sumerian armies as early as 3,000 bc. Two thousand years later the Greeks refined the concept, using pikes 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 m) long. Hoplite, heavily armed ancient Greek foot soldier whose function was to fight in close formation.
What is a phalanx formation in the military?
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 Philip the Conqueror use the phalanx?
Phillip had invented the Phalanx (the ultimate development of the “hoplite” troops the Greeks had been using for centuries) and used it as a base of maneuver for his heavy cavalry, supported by light spearman who acted as a “hinge” between the Phalanx main line and the cavalry, and missile troops to disrupt the enemy.