Macedonian phalanx definition. The effectiveness of the phalanx in battle played a .

Macedonian phalanx definition The divergence in equipment and tactics between the traditional Greek Hoplite phalanx and the Macedonian Phalanx is attributed to Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. 22% Jan 26, 2024 · Likewise, just as the ‘Macedonian’ phalanx was often not ethnically Macedonian (but was ethnically restricted), so too the ‘Macedonian’ cavalry might not be ethnically Macedonian, but rather cavalry equipped in Macedonian fashion, which generally means a rider with body armor (tube-and-yoke cuirass or a fancier bronze muscle cuirass), a Macedonian phalanx translation in English - French Reverso dictionary, see also 'Macedonia, mace, mandolin, machinations', examples, definition, conjugation Macedonian phalanx: The phalanx of the Ancient Macedonian kingdom and the later Hellenistic successor states was a development of the hoplite phalanx. 5 m). What does macedonian phalanx mean? Information and translations of macedonian phalanx in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Meaning of macedonian phalanx. In a more modern context, phalanx refers to something entirely different: bones in the fingers and toes. The battle solidified Macedonian dominance over Greece, with Philip as its ruler. See full list on historyhit. Nov 1, 2023 · Origins: Protecting the Phalanx. Its cohesiveness and the weight of its offensive armament was unmatched in the contemporary world. The 'phalangites' were armed with a much longer spear, the sarissa, and less heavily armoured. Diod. Apr 28, 2017 · The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire. Jan 19, 2024 · In all three cases, the phalanx remains ‘Macedonian’ although the sense in which it is so is increasingly attenuated into largely fictive legal categories. Most agree that they evolved from the pezhetairoi of Philip II. The celebrated Macedonian phalanx was normally drawn up sixteen ranks deep, the men being clad in armor, bearing shields, and armed with swords and with spears from 21 to 24 feet long. At this point, the phalanx would put its collective weight to push back the enemy line and thus create fear and panic among its ranks. Battle of Pydna. 00%; The soldiers of the Macedonian phalanx (q. Apr 4, 2018 · The Macedonian phalanx did not usually deploy at the leading edge of the line, but was held back obliquely. What does phalanx mean? The Macedonian phalanx, as the latest form that organization May 22, 2023 · Definition of macedonian phalanx in the Definitions. Just as Greek language, art, and learning followed in Alexander‘s wake, so too did the Macedonian way of war. This video tries to illustrate the different versions of equipment, structure and combat spacing used by the macedonian phalanx based armies, following the Definition. The men of the first four ranks lowered their sarissas to meet the enemy up front, while those standing in the back held their sarissas upward, protecting the formation from enemy archers and slingers. Login . In this battle the Macedonian phalanx originally held the high ground but all of its units had not been properly positioned due to earlier skirmishing. [1] Jul 10, 2023 · Flaws of the Macedonian phalanx. Yet this new formation was not without its flaws. However, a detailed analysis has shown that the full pikeman-phalanx must have been a later military innovation which was introduced at the beginning of Antigonus Dōsōn’s reign. Nevertheless, an advance by its left wing drove back the Romans, who counterattacked on the right flank and made some progress against a somewhat disorganized Macedonian left. Phalanx in Anatomy. League of Corinth : An alliance formed by Philip II in 337 BCE, which included most Greek city-states, aimed at uniting them under Macedonian leadership Feb 16, 2020 · The Macedonian phalanx took the concept of cohesive group warfare to another level with the sarissa armed phalangites and under Philip and Alexander, steamrolled every opponent in front of them. May 26, 2024 · In a sense, the Macedonian phalanx symbolized the spread of Hellenistic culture itself. The hoplite phalanx is a frequent subject in ancient Greek art. The League of Corinth authorized a pan-Hellenic campaign against the Achaemenid Empire, a long-standing goal Jul 29, 2022 · Now according to Polyaenus’ account of Macedonian military training, the foot soldiers (also called foot companions or pezhetairoi) of the newer Macedonian phalanx formation were equipped with a helmet (kranos), a light shield (pelte) – slung across the arm, greaves (knemides), and a longer spear (sarissa) reaching up to 18 feet (during Oct 5, 2023 · To counter Roman warfare, his Macedonian phalanx required open ground. Apr 17, 2021 · While the Spartan phalanx used a shorter more versatile spear, the Macedonian phalanx that Alexander commanded used sarissas which were much longer and heavier spears requiring the use of both hands (Alexander the Great was one of the few great generals in history, along with the likes of Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and Alexander Suvorov, who Oct 26, 2024 · The Romans exploited gaps in the Macedonian formation, and the phalanx, unable to turn quickly or break formation without losing its cohesion, was overwhelmed. With its unity broken, the phalanx quickly disintegrated, and the Romans massacred the defenseless army killing perhaps as many as 20,000 (Livy,44. The Greek phalanx relied on the shield wall and the overhand thrust of the spear, while the Macedonian phalanx used a variety of tactics, including the sarissa charge, in which the soldiers would run forward and lower their spears, impaling the enemy. The Macedonian Phalanx was an ingenious tactical formation that enabled Phillip II and Alexander the Great to conquer much of the known world. The flexibility of the legion again gave it the advantage as Roman soldiers advanced into the gaps in the Macedonian phalanx. The phalanx was the sharp end of the sarissa that carved out a new world order, one that would endure long after its creator‘s death. Discover what equipment they used, how they fought and what was ultimately their greate Oct 9, 2020 · How did the legions of Rome matched against the Macedonian phalanx during the battles of Asculum, Heraclea, Cynoscephalae, Pydna, and others? Let's find out together. A massed phalanx charge could sweep away virtually any foe, as opponents armed with shorter weapons simply couldn‘t reach the phalangites to strike a blow [8]. Nov 12, 2024 · Macedonian Empire Definition: An ancient kingdom in northern Greece known for its military conquests and cultural legacy, notably under King Philip II and Alexander the Great. However, at the battle of Pydna in 168 BC, Livy remarks on how the Macedonian peltasts defeated the Paeligni and of how this shows the dangers of going directly at the front of a phalanx. Oct 22, 2024 · In various ancient sources, the role, structure, and significance of the Hypaspists are often intertwined with their leader’s strategic brilliance, and their mention provides valuable insights into their contributions to Macedonian warfare, especially in relation to other well-known military formations like the Macedonian phalanx. In anatomy, the word phalanx describes The Macedonian Phalanx In my sixth book I made a promise, still unfulfilled, of taking a fitting opportunity of drawing a comparison between the arms of the Romans and Macedonians, and their respective system of tactics, and pointing out how they differ for better or worse from each other. The Achaean League under Philopoemen abandoned the thyreos around 208–207 BC in favor of the heavier Macedonian phalanx, [3] [4] although the citizens of Megalopolis, an Achaean city, had adopted the Macedonian style in 222 BC after Antigonus III Doson gave the city bronze shields to form a contingent of epilektoi armed as chalkaspides Jan 26, 1996 · And in all these cases the Macedonian phalanx is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to handle, because the men cannot act either in squads or separately. The sarissa was the pike used by the ancient Macedonian army. Macedonian Phalanx: A military formation developed by Philip II that utilized long spears called sarissas and combined heavy infantry and light troops to create a formidable fighting force. The Companions (Greek: ἑταῖροι, Greek: [heˈtairoi̯], hetairoi) were the elite cavalry of the Macedonian army from the time of King Philip II of Macedon, achieving their greatest prestige under Alexander the Great, and regarded as the first or among the first shock cavalry used in Europe. Expansion Causes : The empire's expansion was driven by military innovations, political strategies, and economic factors, including the phalanx formation, integration of Oct 26, 2024 · Was the Macedonian Phalanx with it Sarrisas too ponderous to fight the Romans successfully with their flexible Legions and was the Carthaginian Phalanx with its Thrusting Spear more flexible and therefore more able to counter the Romans? Was there some fundamental flaw with the Macedonian Phalanx or was it just poor generalship? This is largely anachronistic. The Macedonian phalanx advantage was protection, but it had disadvantages. Definition. Jan 8, 2025 · How to say Phalanx in English? Pronunciation of Phalanx with 2 audio pronunciations, 10 synonyms, 4 meanings, 11 translations, 1 sentence and more for Phalanx. They first came to prominence during the reign of Philip II, particularly when they played important role in Philip's subjugation of Greece at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC. 5–6 m) long pikes . The Phalangites were the soldiers who made up the Macedonian phalanx. The key to the phalanx’ deadliness was its cohesiveness. See examples of PHALANX used in a sentence. This innovative infantry formation utilized long spears called sarissas, which allowed soldiers to strike enemies from a distance while maintaining strong defensive lines. 16. that the Macedonian hypaspists normally employed the spear, hoplite shield, and related equipment. C. The phalanx of the Ancient Macedonian kingdom and the later Hellenistic successor states was a development of the hoplite phalanx. The sarissa’s origins can be traced back to 359 B. Another area of contention is the origin of the hypaspists. This close-knit arrangement created a solid wall of shields and spears, presenting a formidable front to opponents on the battlefield. The agema, as well as the peltasts, according to Duncan Head, would fight in pitched battle as a conventional phalanx . D. In 358 BCE, Philip marched against the Illyrians, establishing his authority inland as far as Lake Ohrid. This formation emphasized unity and discipline, allowing soldiers to present a formidable front to the enemy while protecting each other. The basic weapon for this formation was a thrusting spear called the hasta; from this the heavy infantry derived its name, hastati, retaining it even after Rome abandoned the phalanx for the more flexible legion. From the founding of their city-state until the close of the 2nd century bc, the Romans found the Greek-style phalanx suitable for fighting in the plains of Latium. , in fighting against barbaric nations. Under the emperors the phalanx was used after about the 2nd century A. This made small, mobile infantry groups and cavalry very effective at defeating the phalanx, as they could effectively strike from the flank or the rear. By drawing upon literature, inscriptions, archaeology, and comparative evidence it uses the best available methods in ancient history. Nov 4, 2024 · Definition of macedonian phalanx in the Definitions. This was a similar problem encountered by the Macedonian pike phalanx. The same term was applied to the infantry-of-the-line in Macedonian armies, though their task was primarily to pin the enemy while the cavalry exploited any opportunity so created. The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation developed by Philip II of Macedon and perfected by his son Alexander the Great. 25 to 2. Phalanxes remained dominant on battlefields throughout the Hellenistic Feb 19, 2015 · The Battle of Pydna in June 168 BCE was a decisive Roman victory that ended the Third Macedonian War and established Rome as the dominant power in the Mediterranean. After this defeat, the phalanx gradually fell out of favor as a dominant military formation, though it remained a symbol of Greek military prowess. After the conquests of Alexander The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire and other armies. The phalanx formation did not allow for a rear assault, and the terrain was too rocky and uneven for Philip to maneuver. 3. Phalanxes remained dominant on battlefields throughout the Hellenistic May 26, 2024 · The Macedonian phalanx was a devastating offensive force. 65 This leaves the terms lochagos and taxiarch to define other officers in the sarissa wielding infantry. CHILIARCHUS 97. The Macedonian version was probably the creation of Philip (1) II (cf. The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation developed in the 4th century BCE, characterized by its use of long spears called sarissas and tightly organized ranks of infantry soldiers. Browse the use examples 'Macedonian phalanx' in the great English corpus. [7] Feb 12, 2013 · The principal weapon of the peltast was, then, the javelin (akon). Finally, I will consider how the Mace-donians carried and wielded the cavalry lance and Alexander Mosaic, showing the Battle of Issus, from the House of the Faun, Pompeii. During Alexander the Great‘s conquests and the Wars of the Diadochi, this weapon, which had its origins in Macedonia during the reign of Philip II in the middle of the fourth century BC, was employed by the sarissa phalanxes (or “sarissa bearers”). In array the shields formed a continuous bulwark, and the ranks were placed at such intervals that five spears which were borne pointed forward and upward A Macedonian Phalanx: Depiction of a Macedonian phalanx armed with sarissas. The sarissa or sarisa was a long spear or pike about 5 to 7 meters in length. It was introduced by Philip II of Macedon and was used in his Macedonian phalanxes as a replacement for the earlier dory, which was considerably shorter. This long pike, wielded with deadly precision by the Macedonian phalanx, would become the cornerstone of Alexander the Great’s conquests and reshape the face of ancient combat. The "phalangites" were armed with a much longer spear, the sarissa , and less heavily armoured. Feb 28, 2013 · Macedonian infantryman used it to hold off more dangerous game, namely the Spartan phalanx. Macedonian phalanx. The formation was made up of spearmen carrying 18 to 20 ft (5. The Macedonian peltast corps was the equivalent of the hypaspists in Alexander the Great's army. The phalanx was a military formation used by ancient Greek armies, characterized by tightly packed rows of soldiers (hoplites) who stood shoulder to shoulder, wielding long spears and large shields. These longer spears improved the strength of the phalanx by extending the rows of overlapping weapons projecting towards the enemy. This highly skilled force was known for its exceptional horsemanship and combat abilities, often serving as the backbone of Alexander's military tactics during his campaigns. The Roman legions also fought in phalanx in the older times before Camillus. Even the most formidable infantry of the day, like the Theban Sacred Band, crumbled against the phalanx‘s ruthless killing The pezhetairoi were the battalions of the Macedonian phalanx. The phalanx consisted of heavily armored soldiers, called phalangites, who carried a long spear known as a sarissa. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary Definition. The Macedonian phalanx, invented by Philip II, is considered to have been a pikeman-phalanx. Phalanx definition: . Since the Macedonian phalanx was a very different formation from the Greek one, we really shouldn't assume the same principles applied. Subsequently, he agreed to lease the gold mines of Mount Pangaion to the Athenians in exchange for the return of the city of Pydna to Macedon. an extremely tight and dense Macedonian phalanx formation; each soldier occupied a space that was 3ftx3ft; their shields were smaller than the hoplite shield and soldiers held a sarissa rather than a sword or spear Nov 18, 2015 · The Macedonian phalanx took the concept of cohesive group warfare to another level with the sarissa armed phalangites and under Philip and Alexander, steamrolled every opponent in front of them. Jan 6, 2020 · How to say macedonian phalanx in English? Pronunciation of macedonian phalanx with 1 audio pronunciation and more for macedonian phalanx. Macedonian Phalanx Definition The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation developed by King Philip II of Macedonia in the 4th century BCE. PHALANGITAE 100. But as Polybius recognized, the result was made possible by the contrasting systems of the Macedonian phalanx and Roman legion. Definition by Donald L. The Roman order on the other hand is flexible: for every Roman, once armed and on the field, is equally well-equipped for every place, time, or appearance of the enemy. Explore quizzes and practice tests created by teachers and students or create one from your course material. The Macedonian phalanx dominated the European, Northern African and Asian battlefields from southern Italy and Sicily to modern Turkey, Egypt, Syria and Persia all the way to the western Indian frontiers for about two centuries, remaining totally unbeaten by any non-Macedonian army from its creation in 358 BC to the battle of Cynoscephalae in Jan 18, 2012 · The Greek hoplite soldier provided his own weapon (a seven- or eight-foot spear known as a doru) and shield as well as a breastplate, helmet, and greaves. 42). These innovations made the Macedonian army a formidable fighting force, capable of challenging the traditional military powers of Greece, particularly Athens and Thebes. Phalanxes remained dominant on battlefields throughout the Hellenistic period, although wars had evolved into more protracted operations generally involving sieges and naval combat as much as field battles, until they were finally displaced by the Roman Macedonian phalanx, n. Philip introduced the sarissa, a long pike that extended the reach of the phalanx. History and Development of the Sarissa. Before this, the phalanx can only have been one of spearmen, although it is probable that the rear ranks were already Jun 12, 2021 · The Macedonian Phalanx is a thoughtful, engaging account of the ancient pike phalanx. com The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II. Inheriting an army that was disorganized and ineffective, Philip totally transformed the Macedonian army when he became king. The Companion Cavalry was an elite cavalry unit in the ancient Macedonian army, primarily associated with Alexander the Great. net dictionary. The sarissa was up to 18 feet in length, making it one of the longest weapons used in ancient warfare. The vagaries of weather, terrain and individual decisions resulted in a Roman victory. . Adopting the Sarissa and large shields allowed the phalanx to fight with greater reach and accuracy than previous infantry formations. Macedonia (/ ˌ m æ s ɪ ˈ d oʊ n i ə / ⓘ MASS-ih-DOH-nee-ə; Greek: Μακεδονία, Makedonía), also called Macedon (/ ˈ m æ s ɪ d ɒ n / MASS-ih-don), was an ancient kingdom on the periphery of Archaic and Classical Greece, [6] which later became the dominant state of Hellenistic Greece. Though it may seem strange for a unit that would fight in phalanx formation to be called peltasts, pelte would not be an inappropriate name for a Macedonian He reformed the army by increasing its size, enhancing its training, and introducing new weapons like the sarissa, a long spear used by infantry soldiers in a phalanx formation. According to Plutarch, the phalanx was like a "single, powerful animal" and was successful only as long as it "embodies into one and keeps its order. , a pivotal year that saw Philip II ascend to the Macedonian throne. The Macedonian success was not due to their phalanx's superiority (with the sarissa pike). The Macedonian phalanx (Greek The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation used by the ancient Macedonian army, famously led by Alexander the Great. In set piece battles, the Macedonian Hypaspists were positioned on the flanks of the phalangite 's phalanx; in turn, their own flanks were protected by light Quiz yourself with questions and answers for Ch. The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire and other armies. The Roman Republic was expanding, enlarging its sphere of influence along the Adriatic, so when several of the southern Greek city-states appealed to them to ward off the advances of Philip V of Macedon, they entered into the fray The First Macedonian War (started due to an alliance between Macedon and Carthage against the Romans during the Second Punic War in 215 BC) had ended in a stalemate; between the Roman alliance with Aetolia and the destruction of the Macedonian fleet early in the war, the Macedonians were unable to support Carthage and were forced into a defensive stance. The sarissa or sarisa [note 1] was a long spear or pike about 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 ft) in length. 560 BC. " (417). Preparation for the Persian Campaign. Rome, known for its discipline and innovative tactics; Macedonia, for its use of the sarissa and the revolutionary phalanx formation; and Sparta, with its culture that prized military prowess above all. Nineteenth-century historians were fascinated by the Macedonian phalanx and its characteristic weapon, the sarissa. Check out the pronunciation, synonyms and grammar. Nov 19, 2024 · Macedonian Hegemony. The effectiveness of the phalanx in battle played a The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire. The phalanx had to face every threat as one; if men acted alone the strength of the phalanx was gone. Oct 21, 2024 · The Macedonian phalanx under Alexander the Great’s command became legendary, forming the backbone of his conquest strategy. Sep 26, 2024 · The sarissa is a spear that was in use in the early third century BC and was between 180 and 300 inches in length (4. While Alexander’s empire grew and fragmented, The Romans were busy with their arduous task of conquering Italy. Taken from the front, Philip’s new Macedonian phalanx was virtually unstoppable. Sic. Oct 21, 2016 · The Macedonian phalanx unlike the traditional Greek Hoplite phalanx was not engineered to defeat its enemy all by itself. Feb 20, 2024 · Macedonian phalanx, Istock Cynoscephalae could be seen as an event decided by contingent factors. When King Philip II campaigned in Greece, he had neither the money to produce armor like that used by Greek hoplites nor the time to train his own conscripts in phalanx maneuvers. Phalanx definition: (in ancient Greece) a group of heavily armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep, with shields joined and long spears overlapping. It was used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire . ). The Roman Legionary, the Macedonian Phalanx, and the Spartan Hoplite each epitomize the martial ethos of their civilizations. Learn the definition of 'Macedonian phalanx'. This strategic infantry arrangement played a key role in Macedonia's military dominance under his rule and later under his son, Alexander the Great. Jan 26, 2024 · Once the legion and phalanx clashed, the battle was quickly over. Macedonian Innovations: The phalanx reached new heights under Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great. The entire phalanx was under the command of a strategos or a general, with Philip or Alexander serving as the supreme commander in most significant engagements. But the phalanx didn’t exist alone nor was it ever supposed to. Apr 17, 2024 · A Macedonian phalanx was a linear formation, consisting of at least 16 ranks. The Macedonian phalanx was deeper and more flexible, combining with cavalry and light infantry to form a highly effective combined-arms force. Jan 18, 2012 · As it was, the Macedonian camp guards were slaughtered and the prisoners freed, and these now joined the battle. The concept of weight is never applied to the Greek phalanx by Classical authors; it's only applied to the Macedonian phalanx by Arrian, writing in the Roman period. Word forms: (plural) phalanxes a body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation six hundred marchers set off, led by a phalanx of police a group of people or things of a similar type forming a compact body he headed past the phalanx of waiting reporters to the line of limos (in ancient Greece) a body of Macedonian Information and translations of phalangite in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. The Macedonian rear phalanx ran back to save the camp, an impressive feat given that battle had already been raging for perhaps several hours and they made the run in full armour and carrying their weapons. The cavalry deployed in strength on the flank, connected to the infantry center by a “hinge” of heavy elite infantry called hypaspists , armed either in traditional hoplite fashion or with the sarissa , depending upon circumstances. The Macedonian phalanx was never intended to be the decisive arm of the army in which it served. There was no official training for a Greek hoplite, and it was the responsibility of the individual commander to make sure his troops could fight in a unified form. 4 Western Civilizations Inquizitive, so you can be ready for test day. v. The Macedonian Phalanx was a military formation developed by Philip II of Macedon and perfected by his son Alexander the Great, characterized by rows of soldiers armed with long spears called sarissas. See armies, greek and hellenistic. Meaning of phalanx. Watch the video: The Ptolemaic evidence confirms that the Macedonian style phalanx usually consisted of six battalions each under the command of an eponymous officer from Alexander onwards. Instead it was a key Definition of phalanx in the Definitions. 5–7. Wasson. However, some were convinced that reports of the sarissa’s extreme length must be mistaken, while others struggled to reconcile the testimony of different ancient writers and even resorted to altering the original texts. Nov 30, 2024 · Definition of the Phalanx In essence, a phalanx was a formation of infantry soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in a tightly packed formation. 25 metres in length and had smaller points than the heavier spear of the hoplite class of soldier. The Macedonian phalanx (Greek: Μακεδονική φάλαγξ) was an infantry formation developed by Philip II from the classical Greek phalanx, of which the main innovation was the use of the sarissa, a 6-metre pike. The Battle of Pydna in June 168 BCE was a decisive Roman victory that ended the Third Macedonian War and established Phalanx fighting on a black-figure amphora, c. Third, I will discuss the sarissa as an infantry weapon and show in what respects the Macedonian phalanx differed from the older Greek hoplite formation. Mar 28, 2024 · A full Macedonian phalanx could include several taxeis, with the exact number varying depending on the size of the army and the specific requirements of a campaign. These measured from 1. Jul 22, 2021 · The Macedonian phalanx took the concept of cohesive group warfare to another level with the sarissa armed phalangites and under Philip and Alexander, steamrolled every opponent in front of them. This marked the beginning of a centralized Greek political structure under Macedonian control. mhi fjhud utdpco zrydn yppetb ymhew nfmr hjcvj nfs znyr