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. Second, I will show that both literary and archaeological sources indicate that the Macedonian hypaspists normally employed the spear, hoplite shield, and related equipment. First, I shall consider the precise specifications of the Macedonian sarissa and its concomitant small target in comparison with those of the traditional Greek hoplite spear and shield. Moreover, to gain a proper perspective on the limited role played by sarissa-armed foot, one must examine the evidence for the continued use of the hoplite panoply by the Macedonians. When it is established how the sarissa had to be handled, then one can conceive more accurately both the advantages and weaknesses of military formations armed in this manner. To understand these developments, it is necessary to be clear about the limitations of size and weight of the sarissa, since these factors determined how the weapon could be wielded in battle. Practical phalanx mechanics as a means to shed light on preexisting sources.Īdoption of the sarissa, or long lance, by Macedonian infantry and cavalry brought about important changes in military tactics. Involved the current effort, however, will have the advantage of providingįirsthand observations that supply simple and rational explanations of As with any modern recreation, a certain amount of guesswork is

Sources with hands on experience, in this case by actually going out andĪrming a volunteer phalanx on a small scale to see what is both possible and Will provide fresh insight into such details by combining a survey of existing It is hoped that the current investigation Of period (or near period) authors that potentially shed light on such these Shield provided physical cover to the soldier on one's immediate left areĭetails that have remained largely unexplored. Weapons, could the second or third ranks engage the enemy and if the hoplite

The stance which individuals took and how farĪpart they stood from their compatriots, the position in which the held their Yet despite this, there is a relatively poor understanding of howĪ phalanx actually worked. Its organization, supply, evolution and social effects has been covered many Historians and military tacticians alike. Kuy Yeon Lee: Has been very helpful preparing for the final.The Greek phalanx has been a subject of study for generations of both Of course, this was only for a select few (elite Greek males), as women, slaves, and the poor were denied equal status. Such groupings indicate a level of social cohesion where Greeks came together to unite as equals. This example of vase painting gives modern viewers a brief look into ancient Greek military organization. Individual hoplite warriors in formation, as well as the hoplon (soldier’s shield) and other armaments are clearly visible. The first representation of the hoplite phalanx on pottery, appears on this vase. Polychromy, where the use of multiple colors is employed, was another improvement upon the previous Geometric period. The decorations on the Chigi Vase itself are rather sophisticated, as it is graced with narrative scenes, incised lines and varied coloration.

This marked a departure from the previous Geometric period forms in that pottery was now being used to reference specific stories and myths, with representations of different figures or characters. This was an attempt to illustrate a story, and later, writing was implemented to assist in the storytelling. The vase is an early instance of narrative art the lower areas of oinochoe pottery forms of the Archaic period were now becoming utilized for painting and decoration. Although a late proto-Corinthian form, it was found in an Etruscan (central Italian) context and serves as an indicator of the trade relations along the Mediterranean Sea, particularly among various elites for burial assemblages. The so-called “Chigi Vase” is an example of the Greek oinochoe pottery form dating to the first half of the 6th century BCE.

Hoplite shield refrence