Phalanx
History: Three Greek states are known for their use of phalanx: Sparta, Thebes and Macedon. Phalanx was perfected by Philip of Macedon. He increased the length of the spears from 18 feetto 24 feet and the number of ranks from 12 to 16; and the lines were arranged at such intervals that the spears of the fifth rank projected three feet in front of the first, so that the fron was protected by a solid array of five lines of spears. The men was also armed with large shields which nearly covered the body. The rush of the phalanx was wellnight irresistible, but it was unwideldy, and was abandoned because it could not be maneuvered quickly and failed altogether when fighting became hand to hand. Because of Philip of Macedon's dependence on the phalanx, Perseus, (the last king of Macedon) was defeated at Pydna by the Romans in 168 B.C. Hint: Great for defence. Specifications:
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