The question “When Did Alexander The Great Use The Phalanx” often sparks curiosity for history enthusiasts. While Alexander the Great is synonymous with military genius, understanding the precise timeline of his embrace and mastery of the phalanx formation is key to appreciating his tactical brilliance. This article delves into the origins and evolution of the phalanx under Alexander’s command.
The Phalanx A Foundation of Alexander’s Success
The phalanx wasn’t a new invention when Alexander the Great took the throne of Macedon. It was a military formation that had been evolving for centuries, most notably perfected by the Greek city-states like Thebes. Imagine a tightly packed mass of soldiers, each armed with a long spear called a sarissa and a shield. They would advance in unison, their shields interlocking to create a nearly impenetrable wall. This formation relied heavily on discipline, training, and the collective strength of its members. When did Alexander the Great use the phalanx? He inherited it, but he transformed it.
Alexander’s father, Philip II of Macedon, was instrumental in refining the phalanx, equipping his soldiers with the formidable sarissa, a spear typically 13 to 18 feet long. This dramatically increased the reach of the Macedonian infantry compared to their Peloponnesian counterparts. The sarissa, combined with the heavy bronze shield (aspis), made the phalanx a devastating force. Alexander, however, didn’t just adopt this tactic; he understood its strengths and weaknesses intimately. His understanding was crucial for his victories.
Here’s a breakdown of how Alexander utilized the phalanx:
- Infantry Core The phalanx formed the unyielding center of his battle lines.
- Combined Arms Tactics Alexander masterfully integrated the phalanx with other units, most notably his elite cavalry, the Companion cavalry.
- Adaptability While the phalanx excelled on open, level ground, Alexander’s genius lay in knowing when and how to adapt its deployment to different terrains and against various enemies.
The effectiveness of Alexander’s phalanx was evident in his early campaigns. For instance:
- Battle of the Granicus (334 BCE) Alexander faced a Persian army and deployed his phalanx to hold the line while his cavalry charged.
- Battle of Issus (333 BCE) Again, the phalanx provided a solid front against Darius III’s forces.
- Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE) This monumental victory saw the Macedonian phalanx holding firm against a numerically superior Persian army, including scythed chariots, demonstrating its resilience and Alexander’s strategic deployment.
The table below illustrates the typical composition:
| Unit | Primary Weapon | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Phalangites | Sarissa | Infantry center, solid advance |
| Hypaspists | Short spear, sword | Elite infantry, often flanking or supporting the phalanx |
The phalanx was the backbone of Alexander’s army from his very first major battles. It was not a tool he adopted later in his career; rather, it was a fundamental element of his military doctrine from the outset.
To gain a deeper understanding of these formations and the battles they fought, we recommend consulting the detailed historical accounts available in the section that follows.