Phalanx
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The phalanx was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar polearms tightly packed together. The term is used tod
Sumerian phalanx-like formation c. 2400 BC, from detail of the victory stele of King Eannatum of Lagash over Umma, called the Stele of the Vultures
A modern illustration of the Greek hoplites marching in a phalanx formation
Phalanx in a frieze on the tomb of Pericles, Dynast of Lycia (380–360 BC)
Greek phalanx against Achaemenid troops
Alexander the Great
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Alexander III of Macedon, most commonly known as Alexander the Great, was king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon from 336 BC until his death. He was the son of Philip II, born to him by his four
Phalanx
…meant that breaking through the line of battle or compromising one of its flanks often ensured victory. After reaching its zenith in the conquests of Alexander the Great, the phalanx began a slow decline, as Hellenistic successor states declined. The combined arms tactics used by Alexander and his father were gradually…
Detail from the Alexander Mosaic (created c. 120–100 BC)
Archaeological site of Pella, Greece, Alexander's birthplace
Roman medallion depicting Olympias, Alexander's mother
Philip II of Macedon, Alexander's father