{"product_id":"an-invincible-beast-understanding-the-hellenistic-pike-phalanx-in-action-9781399085267","title":"An Invincible Beast: Understanding the Hellenistic Pike Phalanx in Action","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe Hellenistic pike-phalanx was a military innovation that transformed warfare in the ancient world, but there is debate about how infantry combat was conducted. Christopher Matthews critically examines phalanx combat by using physical re-creation, experimental archaeology, and ballistics testing to compare the findings to ancient literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence and modern theories. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 544 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 February 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pen \u0026amp; Sword Books Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Hellenistic pike-phalanx was a revolutionary military innovation that transformed the face of warfare in the ancient world. Spanning nearly two centuries, 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 168 BC, the pike-wielding heavy infantryman (the phalangite) formed the backbone of nearly every Hellenistic army deployed on battlefields ranging from Italy to India. Despite this dominance, and the vast literature dedicated to detailing the history of the Hellenistic world, there remains a fierce debate among modern scholars about how infantry combat in this age was actually conducted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn order to critically examine phalanx combat, Christopher Matthews employs a range of techniques, including physical re-creation, experimental archaeology, and ballistics testing. By comparing the findings of this testing to ancient literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence, as well as modern theories, Matthews provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date study of what heavy infantry combat was like in the age of Alexander the Great and his Successors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pike-phalanx was a formidable military formation that relied on the strength and cohesion of its soldiers. The phalangites were equipped with long spears, known as pikes, which were designed to penetrate the armor of opposing troops. The formation was organized into rows, with each row typically consisting of ten men. The soldiers were positioned shoulder-to-shoulder, with their pikes extending outward in a V-shaped formation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key advantages of the pike-phalanx was its ability to withstand heavy cavalry charges. The pike's length and sharpness made it difficult for horses to approach, and the formation's tight spacing prevented the cavalry from breaking through. This allowed the phalanx to hold its ground and repel enemy attacks, giving the Hellenistic armies a significant advantage in battle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, the pike-phalanx was not without its weaknesses. One of the most significant was its reliance on the strength and discipline of its soldiers. The formation required a high level of training and coordination, and if the soldiers were not properly trained or motivated, they could be easily defeated. Additionally, the pike-phalanx was vulnerable to flanking attacks, where enemy troops approached from the sides or rear, and were able to break through the formation's lines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these weaknesses, the pike-phalanx remained a dominant force in Hellenistic warfare for centuries. Its effectiveness was largely due to the skill and tactics of the phalanx commanders, who were able to exploit the formation's strengths and minimize its weaknesses. The pike-phalanx was also adaptable, and could be modified to suit different battlefield conditions and enemy tactics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the Hellenistic pike-phalanx was a true military innovation that transformed the face of warfare in the ancient world. Its dominance was due to its ability to withstand heavy cavalry charges, its tight spacing, and its ability to repel enemy attacks. However, the pike-phalanx was not without its weaknesses, and its effectiveness was largely dependent on the skill and tactics of its commanders. Despite these limitations, the pike-phalanx remained a dominant force in Hellenistic warfare for centuries, and its legacy continues to be felt today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 912g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 157 x 233 x 47 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781399085267\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Christopher Matthew","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44101048631546,"sku":"9781399085267","price":13.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1647342182074_book.jpg?v=1647360300","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/an-invincible-beast-understanding-the-hellenistic-pike-phalanx-in-action-9781399085267","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}