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 …

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 …

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 · One of the most effective and enduring military formations in ancient warfare was that of the Greek phalanx. The age of the phalanx may be traced back to Sumeria...

Each man gripped a spear in one hand and carried a round shield in the other, and he pressed forward in unison with the rest of his unit. This was the Greek phalanx, a coordinated block of …

PHALANX meaning: 1. a large group of people standing very close to each other, usually for the purposes of defence…. Learn more.

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).

Feb 7, 2025 · The phalanx was a revolutionary military formation that played a crucial role in ancient Greek warfare. Characterized by a dense grouping of heavily armed infantry soldiers, …

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 …

Oct 16, 2025 · phalanx (plural phalanxes or phalanges) (historical, plural phalanxes) An ancient Greek and Macedonian military unit that consisted of several ranks and files (lines) of soldiers …