Why was the phalanx strategy so successful for Alexander?

Usually measuring eight rows across and 16 ranks deep, the Macedonian phalanx was virtually unstoppable from the front. 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.

What was Alexander’s military phalanx strategy he used to defeat enemy forces?

The army marched in a close-ordered formation or phalanx where each hoplite carried his shield in a manner that protected his left side and his neighbor’s right. This new style of fighting was primarily offensive, advancing in a line into the center of the opposing enemy.

Who beat the Romans?

Wave after wave of Germanic barbarian tribes swept through the Roman Empire. Groups such as the Visigoths, Vandals, Angles, Saxons, Franks, Ostrogoths, and Lombards took turns ravaging the Empire, eventually carving out areas in which to settle down.

What is the Roman phalanx?

The combat formation used by the Greeks and Romans was called the phalanx. This involved the soldiers standing side by side in ranks. With only about three feet between the rows of soldiers, the Romans would move towards the enemy. The phalanx was a very difficult barrier to break through.

What is the phalanx strategy?

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.

What was the purpose of the Macedonian phalanx?

The phalanx was divided into taxis based on geographical recruitment differences. The phalanx used the “oblique line with refused left” arrangement, designed to force enemies to engage with soldiers on the furthest right end, increasing the risk of opening a gap in their lines for the cavalry to break through.

How did the Romans defeat the phalanx?

Quora User, History is eternal and perpetual, there are no rules. The Romans defeated the phalanx formation that had been the mainstay of Hellenic Armies for so long by adopting the maniple system for their legions which allowed for a wide variety of benefits over the phalanx.

Why did Alexander the Great use the phalanx in battle?

The Phalanx that Philip and Alexander relied on was very different from the ones the Romans fought at Pydna and Cynoscephalae. It had been originally intended for extreme tactical maneuvrability and to be used along with excellent cavalry and light troops.

Could the Romans get past the spears of the phalangites?

So no, the Romans could not get past the spears of the phalangites (question for Greek experts–can you still call a Hellenistic phalangite a hoplite?), but in the end they didn’t need to. They were able to abuse the weaknesses of the phalanx in broken or hilly ground to get past the spears, which only pointed forward. Also elephants helped…

How did the Romans defeat the Hellenistic army?

Quora User, Historian by trade, Thucydidean in practice. The Romans defeated the phalanx formation that had been the mainstay of Hellenic Armies for so long by adopting the maniple system for their legions which allowed for a wide variety of benefits over the phalanx.