AN INVINCIBLE BEAST: Understanding the Hellenistic Pike Phalanx in Action

2-210420

Examines phalanx combat by using techniques such as physical re-creation, experimental archaeology, and ballistics testing, and then comparing the findings of this testing to the ancient literary, artistic and archaeological evidence, and modern theories.

The Hellenistic pike-phalanx was a true military innovation, transforming the face of warfare in the ancient world. For nearly 200 years, from the rise of the Macedonians as a military power in the mid-fourth century BC to their defeat at the hands of the Romans at Pydna in 168BC, the pike-wielding heavy infantryman formed the basis of nearly every Hellenistic army to deploy on battlefields stretching from Italy to India.