What was the phalanx and why were the Greeks able to use it so well?

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.

When did the Greeks use the phalanx?

7th century bc
During the 7th century bc the Greek city-states adopted a phalanx eight men deep. The Greek hoplite, the heavy-armed infantryman who manned the phalanx, was equipped with a round shield, a heavy corselet of leather and metal, greaves (shin armour), an 8-foot pike for thrusting, and a 2-foot double-edged sword.

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.

How did the phalanx formation work?

When was the first aspis made in Greece?

Hoplitodromos with aspis and full body armour depicted in a Greek vase dated to 550 BC. An aspis (Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς, plural aspides, ἀσπίδες), sometimes also referred to as a hoplon (Greek: όπλον), was the heavy wooden shield used by the infantry in various periods of ancient Greece.

What was the phalanx formation in ancient Greece?

The Phalanx Formation in Combat. The Greek phalanx formation was rectangular in shape and consisted of rows of hoplite warriors, usually eight men deep but ranging up to 50 men deep. Each warrior carried his shield on his left arm, where it provided protection for both himself and for the man to his immediate left.

What was the purpose of Greek shields?

These shields, and the methods in which they were used, were instrumental in the function and formation of the phalanx, the primary unit of Greek armies during the Classical period. Greek warfare during the Heroic Age (1600-1100 BC) was often chaotic and undisciplined.

What is the meaning of Aspis?

An aspis ( Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς, plural aspides, ἀσπίδες ), sometimes also referred to as an hoplon ( Greek: ὅπλον ), was the heavy wooden shield used by the infantry in various periods of ancient Greece. An aspis was deeply dished and made primarily of wood.