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Why did the Greeks use the phalanx?
The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order. The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy, making frontal assaults against it very difficult.
Did the Greeks use the phalanx?
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 Romans beat the Greek 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.
How did the Macedonian Phalanx work?
The phalanx used the “oblique line with refused left” arrangement, designed to force enemies to engage with soldiers on the furthest right end, increasing the risk of opening a gap in their lines for the cavalry to break through. Due to the structure of the phalanx, it was weakest in the rear and on the right.
What were helots 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.
Where did Philip learn the use of the phalanx?
Phillip II of Macedon, learning of Epaminondas’ tactic in Thebes, brought it back to his kingdom where he created the first professional fighting force in Greece outside of Sparta. He armed his men with the longer sarissa spear (which had a length of 18 feet) and much smaller shields than previously used.
Why was the phalanx so successful?
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.
What is the only weakness of the phalanx?
The main weakness of the phalanx alway was that its right wing was poorly protected, because hoplites had their shields on their left arm.
Why was the Macedonian phalanx so effective?
The Macedonian phalanx was so strong because it was an improvement on the already impressive Greek phalanx, which had performed well against lighter-armed armies like the Persians.
How did the Greek phalanx 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.
Why were the Helots so important to the Spartans?
The people of Messene were taken hostage as slaves or helots and were used to farm the lands they had once possessed. The helots’ work helped to make Sparta a wealthy city, and in time they became trusted members of Spartan families. Helots could also seek their freedom by volunteering for military engagements.
What is the significance of the phalanx in ancient Greece?
However, the phalanx is a sign of growing state control and military organisation, and as such, it can serve as a marker of how Greek civilisation was advancing to catch up with the empires of the East.
When did the phalanx evolve into a mobile army?
During the hundred years from 431 to 331 BCE, however, the phalanx evolved into a mobile, disciplined, tactically-flexible force, that supplemented by cavalry and light infantry, provided a talented general with the capability of meeting and triumphing over any other army of its day.
When was the first phalanx made?
Arising at some point toward the end of the Dark Ages (approximately 800 BCE to 600 BCE), the phalanx of farmers armed with large round shield, seven-foot spear and helmet changed little during the first few centuries of its existence.
How did the Peloponnesian War change the nature of warfare?
The great Peloponnesian War which began in 431 BCE, which pitted Sparta and her allies against Athens and her Aegean empire, changed the nature of warfare. The length of the war, the high stakes involved, and the increasing death toll caused the usual forms of war to be abandoned.