What are the strengths of the phalanx?
Thus a phalanx does not have a standard combat strength or composition but includes the total number of infantry, which is or will be deployed in action in a single phalanx formation. Many spear-armed troops historically fought in what might be termed phalanx-like formations.
What are the names of the phalanges?
- Proximal phalanx of the thumb articulates with the first metacarpal
- Proximal phalanx of the index finger articulates with the second metacarpal
- Proximal phalanx of the middle finger articulates with the third metacarpal
- Proximal phalanx of the ring finger articulates with the fourth metacarpal
What does the word phalanx mean?
The definition of a phalanx is a community or group of people who are close or united for a purpose. An example of a phalanx is a group of friends huddled together for warmth. noun 0 0 (plural phalanxes) A large group of people, animals or things, compact or closely massed, or tightly knit and united in common purpose. noun 0 0
What does the phalanx do?
The Phalanx weapon system defends against air and surface threats. At sea, navies use Phalanx to defeat anti-ship missiles and close-in threats that have pierced other lines of defense. On land, the U.S. Army uses the weapon system to detect and counter rocket, artillery and mortar systems.
What is a phalanx ancient Greece?
The phalanx (Ancient Greek: φάλαγξ; plural phalanxes or phalanges, φάλαγγες, phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar pole weapons.
What is the purpose of the phalanx?
Phalanx was a formation of warriors armed with spears and interlocking shields in Ancient Greek warfare. Once the Phalanx was formed, soldiers advanced as one entity, fighting off attacks from enemy soldiers with their shields. The tight formation also allowed them to break through the ranks of the enemy army.
Who first used the phalanx?
the SumeriansFirst used by the Sumerians and fully developed by the ancient Greeks, it is viewed today as the beginning of European military development. The Greek city-states adopted a phalanx eight men deep during the 7th century bc.
Why was the phalanx so powerful?
The extreme length of the sarissa meant that up to five layers of pikes protruded ahead of the front man – allowing the phalanx to steamroll any opponent. So long as its rear and flank were protected, the formation was extremely powerful both as a defensive and an offensive weapon.
What is a synonym of phalanx?
legion. nounmass, force of people. army. body. brigade.
When was the phalanx used?
During the hundred years from 431 to 331 BCE, however, the phalanx evolved into a mobile, disciplined, tactically-flexible force, that supplemented by cavalry and light infantry, provided a talented general with the capability of meeting and triumphing over any other army of its day.
Who defeated phalanx?
Polybius on the Macedonian Wars gets into some of the nitty gritty, but basically the gist is that during the Samnite Wars, the Romans found that their phalanxes were being beaten by the Samnite light infantry and cavalry, who were used to fighting the mountainous terrain of Samnium.
Why was the phalanx abandoned?
At the Battle of Cynocephalae in 197 BCE, the Romans defeated the Greek phalanx easily because the Greeks had failed to guard the flanks of their phalanx and, further, the Greek commanders could not turn the mass of men who comprised the phalanxes quickly enough to counter the strategies of the Roman army and, after ...
What is a soldier in a phalanx called?
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites. Hoplites on the Monument of the Nereids from Xanthus.
What was the main weakness of the phalanx?
The major weakness of the phalanx is that it had little to no protection on its sides and rear. Since men were marching forward, and everyone's spears were pointed in the same forward direction, hoplites were pretty much defenseless on the flanks and rear.
How many men are in a phalanx?
The phalanx consisted of a line-up of several battalion blocks called syntagmata, each of its 16 files (lochoi) numbering 16 men, for a total of 256 in each unit. Each syntagma was commanded by a syntagmatarch, who – together with his subordinate officers – would form the first row of each block.
How long was a phalanx spear?
The sarisa or sarissa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) 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.
What is the phalanx bone?
The phalanges of the hand are the group of small bones that comprise the bony core of the digits (fingers) of the hand. Even though the phalanges are small in size, they are classified as long bones because of their structural characteristics; each phalanx consists of a shaft, distal head and a proximal base.
Was the phalanx formation effective?
One of the most effective and enduring military formations in ancient warfare was that of the Greek phalanx.
What is the function of phalanges in the foot?
The phalanges of the fingers help us manipulate our environment while the phalanges of the foot help us balance, walk, and run.
What body system is the phalanx?
The phalanges /fəˈlændʒiːz/ (singular: phalanx /ˈfælæŋks/) are digital bones in the hands and feet of most vertebrates. In primates, the thumbs and big toes have two phalanges while the other digits have three phalanges. The phalanges are classed as long bones.
What is a phalanx?
Definition of phalanx. 1 : a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files broadly : a body of troops in close array. 2 plural phalanges : one of the digital bones of the hand or foot of a vertebrate. 3 plural usually phalanxes.
When did the word "phalanx" come into existence?
The word and its senses passed into Latin and then were adopted into English in the 16th century. These days, a "phalanx" can be any arranged mass, whether of persons, animals, or things, or a body of people organized in a particular effort.
What are some examples of phalanx?
Examples of phalanx in a Sentence. A solid phalanx of armed guards stood in front of the castle. She had to go through a phalanx of television cameras. Recent Examples on the Web Cooper told her director about the situation, and before the end of the day, a phalanx of space heaters guarded Cole and his immediate coworkers.
What is a phalanx?
The phalanx ( Ancient Greek: φάλαγξ; plural phalanxes or phalanges, φάλαγγες, phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar pole weapons. The term is particularly used to describe the use of this formation in Ancient Greek warfare, ...
When were phalanxes first used?
History. The earliest known depiction of a phalanx-like formation occurs in a Sumerian stele from the 25th century BC. Here the troops seem to have been equipped with spears, helmets, and large shields covering the whole body. Ancient Egyptian infantry were known to have employed similar formations.
How many men are in the Hoplite phalanx?
Hoplite phalanxes usually deployed in ranks of 8 men or more deep; The Macedonian phalanxes were usually 16 men deep, sometimes reported to have been arrayed 32 men deep. There are some notable extremes; at the battles of Leuctra and Mantinea, the Theban general Epameinondas arranged the left wing of the phalanx into a "hammerhead" of 50 ranks of elite hoplites deep (see below) and when depth was less important, phalanxes just 4 deep are recorded, as at the battle of Marathon.
How deep was the phalanx?
The phalanx depth could vary depending on the needs of the moment and plans of the general. While the phalanx was in march, an eis bathos formation (loose, meaning literally 'in depth') was adopted in order to move more freely and maintain order. This was also the initial battle formation as, in addition, it permitted friendly units to pass through whether assaulting or retreating. In this status, the phalanx had twice the normal depth and each hoplite had to occupy about 1.8–2 metres (5 ft 11 in–6 ft 7 in) in width. When enemy infantry was approaching, a rapid switch to the pycne (spelled also pucne) formation (dense or tight formation) was necessary. In that case, each man's space was halved (0.9–1 metre or 2 feet 11 inches–3 feet 3 inches in width) and the formation depth returned to normal. An even denser formation, the synaspismos or sunaspismos (ultra-tight or locked shields formation), was used when the phalanx was expected to experience extra pressure, intense missile volleys or frontal cavalry charges. In synaspismos, the rank depth was half that of a normal phalanx and the width each man occupied was as small as 0.45 metres (1.5 ft).
Why did the Macedonian phalanx lose its cohesion?
The Macedonian phalanx could also lose its cohesion without proper coordination or while moving through broken terrain; doing so could create gaps between individual blocks/syntagmata, or could prevent a solid front within those sub-units as well, causing other sections of the line to bunch up. In this event, as in the battles of Cynoscephalae and Pydna, the phalanx became vulnerable to attacks by more flexible units—such as Roman legionary centuries, which were able to avoid the sarissae and engage in hand-to-hand combat with the phalangites.
Why did the phalanx advance so slow?
One of the main reasons for this slow approach was to maintain formation.
Why was the phalanx not fully developed?
Another possible theory as to the birth of Greek phalanx warfare stems from the idea that some of the basic aspects of the phalanx were present in earlier times yet were not fully developed due to the lack of appropriate technology. Two of the basic tactics seen in earlier warfare include the principle of cohesion and the use of large groups of soldiers. This would suggest that the Greek phalanx was rather the culmination and perfection of a slowly developed idea that originated many years earlier. As weaponry and armour advanced through the years in different city-states, the phalanx became complex and effective.
When did the word "phalanx" come into existence?from merriam-webster.com
The word and its senses passed into Latin and then were adopted into English in the 16th century. These days, a "phalanx" can be any arranged mass, whether of persons, animals, or things, or a body of people organized in a particular effort.
What is the singular form of phalanx?from medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
The singular form is phalanx, not phalange. 1. One of the long bones of the digits, 14 in number for each hand or foot, including two for the thumb or great toe, and three each for the other four digits; designated as proximal, middle, and distal, beginning from the metacarpus. 2.
What are some examples of phalanx?from merriam-webster.com
Examples of phalanx in a Sentence. A solid phalanx of armed guards stood in front of the castle. She had to go through a phalanx of television cameras. Recent Examples on the Web Cooper told her director about the situation, and before the end of the day, a phalanx of space heaters guarded Cole and his immediate coworkers.
What is a solid phalanx?from medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
1. A compact or close-knit body of people: "formed a solid phalanx in defense of the Constitution and Protestant religion" (G.M. Trevelyan). 2. A formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears, developed by Philip II of Macedon and used by Alexander the Great.
How many phalanges are there in the human hand?from medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
Any of the digital bones of the hand or foot. Humans have three phalanges to each finger and toe with the exception of the thumb and big toe which have only two each.
What is a phalanx?from britannica.com
Phalanx, in military science, tactical formation consisting of a block of heavily armed infantry standing shoulder to shoulder in files several ranks deep. Fully developed by the ancient Greeks, it survived in modified form into the gunpowder era and is viewed today as the beginning of European military development.
When was the phalanx formed?from en.wikipedia.org
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. The phalanx ( Ancient Greek: φάλαγξ; plural phalanxes or phalanges, φάλαγγες, phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, ...
What was the phalanx of the ancient Macedonian kingdom?from en.wikipedia.org
The phalanx of the Ancient Macedonian kingdom and the later Hellenistic successor states was a development of the hoplite phalanx. The 'phalangites' were armed with a much longer spear, the sarissa, and less heavily armoured. The sarissa was the pike used by the ancient Macedonian army.
What would a phalanx do in battle?from en.wikipedia.org
In battle, opposing phalanxes would try to exploit this weakness by attempting to overlap the enemy's right flank. It also meant that, in battle, a phalanx would tend to drift to the right (as hoplites sought to remain behind the shield of their neighbor).
How many men are in the Hoplite phalanx?from en.wikipedia.org
Hoplite phalanxes usually deployed in ranks of 8 men or more deep; The Macedonian phalanxes were usually 16 men deep, sometimes reported to have been arrayed 32 men deep. There are some notable extremes; at the battles of Leuctra and Mantinea, the Theban general Epameinondas arranged the left wing of the phalanx into a "hammerhead" of 50 ranks of elite hoplites deep (see below) and when depth was less important, phalanxes just 4 deep are recorded, as at the battle of Marathon.
How deep was the phalanx?from en.wikipedia.org
The phalanx depth could vary depending on the needs of the moment and plans of the general. While the phalanx was in march, an eis bathos formation (loose, meaning literally 'in depth') was adopted in order to move more freely and maintain order. This was also the initial battle formation as, in addition, it permitted friendly units to pass through whether assaulting or retreating. In this status, the phalanx had twice the normal depth and each hoplite had to occupy about 1.8–2 metres (5 ft 11 in–6 ft 7 in) in width. When enemy infantry was approaching, a rapid switch to the pycne (spelled also pucne) formation (dense or tight formation) was necessary. In that case, each man's space was halved (0.9–1 metre or 2 feet 11 inches–3 feet 3 inches in width) and the formation depth returned to normal. An even denser formation, the synaspismos or sunaspismos (ultra-tight or locked shields formation), was used when the phalanx was expected to experience extra pressure, intense missile volleys or frontal cavalry charges. In synaspismos, the rank depth was half that of a normal phalanx and the width each man occupied was as small as 0.45 metres (1.5 ft).
What was the weakest phalanx?from en.wikipedia.org
The hoplite phalanx was weakest when facing an enemy fielding lighter and more flexible troops without its own such supporting troops. An example of this would be the Battle of Lechaeum, where an Athenian contingent led by Iphicrates routed an entire Spartan mora (a unit of anywhere from 500 to 900 hoplites). The Athenian force had a considerable proportion of light missile troops armed with javelins and bows that wore down the Spartans with repeated attacks, causing disarray in the Spartan ranks and an eventual rout when they spotted Athenian heavy infantry reinforcements trying to flank them by boat.
What is a Phalanx CIWS?
Navy ships as a last line of defense against antiship cruise missiles.
What does "falsangks" mean?
fal′angks, or fā′-, n. a line of battle: a square battalion of heavy-armed infantry drawn up in ranks and files close and deep: any compact body of men: one of the small bones of the fingers and toes:— pl. Phalan′ges, or Phal′anxes. [L.,—Gr. phalangks .]
What is the name of the bone that is located beyond the metacarpus?
one of the digital bones of the hand or foot, beyond the metacarpus or metatarsus; an internode
Summary
History
The earliest known depiction of a phalanx-like formation occurs in a Sumerian stele from the 25th century BC. Here the troops seem to have been equipped with spears, helmets, and large shields covering the whole body. Ancient Egyptian infantry were known to have employed similar formations. The first usage of the term phalanx comes from Homer's "φαλαγξ", used to describe hoplites fighting in an organized battle line. Homer used the term to differentiate the formation-b…
Overview
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 hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields. The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy, ma…
Deployment and combat
The basic combat element of the Greek armies was either the stichos ("file", usually 8–16 men strong) or the enomotia ("sworn" and made up by 2–4 stichœ, totaling up to 32 men), both led by a dimœrites who was assisted by a decadarchos and two decasterœ (sing. decasteros). Four to a maximum of 32 enomotiæ (depending on the era in question or the city) formed a lochos led by a lochagos, who in this way was in command of initially a hundred hoplites to a maximum of arou…
Tactics
The early history of the phalanx is largely one of combat between hoplite armies from competing Greek city-states. The usual result was rather identical, inflexible formations pushing against each other until one broke. The potential of the phalanx to achieve something more was demonstrated at Battle of Marathon (490 BC). Facing the much larger army of Darius I, the Athenians thin…
Weaknesses
The hoplite phalanx was weakest when facing an enemy fielding lighter and more flexible troops without its own such supporting troops. An example of this would be the Battle of Lechaeum, where an Athenian contingent led by Iphicrates routed an entire Spartan mora (a unit of 500–900 hoplites). The Athenian force had a considerable proportion of light missile troops armed with javelins and bows that wore down the Spartans with repeated attacks, causing disarray in the Spa…
Classical decline and post-classical use
After reaching its zenith in the conquests of Alexander the Great, the phalanx began a slow decline, as Macedonian successor states declined. The combined arms tactics used by Alexander and his father were gradually replaced by a return to the simpler frontal charge tactics of the hoplite phalanx. The expense of the supporting arms and cavalry, and the widespread use of mercenaries, caus…
See also
• Comparable formations
• Hoplite formation in art
• Pelopidas
• Point d'appui
• Roman infantry tactics