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Soliders of Philip's army were equipped with a new innovative longer spear called the sarissa, a double-pointed pike over 6 m (18 ft) in length which had a greater reach than traditional Greek pike. This innovation meant that Philip's army's phalanxes could make the first strike, which transformed them into a deadly force.

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 the much longer sarissa and less heavily armoured. Since the sarissa was wielded two-handed, phalangites carried much smaller shields that were strapped to their arms. Therefore, although a Macedonian phalanx would have formed up in a similar manner to the hoplite phalanx, it possessed very different tactical properties. With the extra spear length, up to five rows of phalangites could project their weapon beyond the front rank-keeping the enemy troops at a greater distance. The Macedonian phalanx was much less able to form a shield wall, but the lengthened spears would have compensated for this. Such a phalanx formation also reduces the likelihood that battles would degenerate into a pushing match.

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Q: How did Philip II of ancient Macedonia improve the phalanx?
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Related questions

Who created a phalanx?

Philip II of Macedonia


What was Philip II of ancient Macedonia?

Philip II of Macedonia was a Greek king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia in northern Greece and the father of Alexander the Great.


What ancient Macedonian ruler was responsible for making his nation a powerful force in the ancient world?

Under Philip II, Macedonia became a powerful State by the middle of the 4th Century BC BCE. He reorganized Macedonia's army and is given credit for developing the battle formation known as the phalanx.


Was Philip 2 the king of Macedonia?

yes. Philip II was king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, on the northern Greek peninsula.


When was Philip 2 of Macedonia born?

Philip II was born in 382 B.C. In Pella, the capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia.


When did King Philip of Macedonia die?

KIng Philip II king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, died in the year 336 B.C.E.


Who came from ancient Macedonia?

Alexander the Great, Philip II, Aristotle and many others came from ancient Macedonia on the northern Greek peninsula.


What were the names of three famous kings from ancient Macedonia?

Perdiccas, Philip, Alexander.


Who was king Philip of Phalanx?

He did what he was told.


Did King Philip of ancient Macedonia write the bible?

King Philip of Macedonia was a pagan and had probably never even heard of the jews. And, of course, the New Testament was not written for another four hundred years. No, Philip had no part in writing the Bible.


Who used the fighting tactic known as the phalanx?

Phillip II True, but Alexander and his father were not the first or the only people to use the phalanx. Most Hellenistic (Greek) civilizations employed the phalanx formation among their troops.


Who was the king of Macedonia in Ancient Greece?

The king of Macedonia in 356 BC was Filippos B known as Philip II. Philip II was a Greek King of the Argead Dynasty from Argos in the Peloponnese that founded Macedonia.