specifics in Spear fighting combat

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

....in 'battle'/close order, the Hoplites were 'accustomed' to form up four deep.

As an officer who actually commanded REAL Hoplites, I think Xenophon is to be preferred to any modern "armchair strategists", don't you?

I didn't question Xenophon,I just interpret him differently.He was talking in other Greeks who didn't have to be explained how hoplites formed the battle line.The comment "as they were accustomed" would sure be enough to them.But the need to mention their depth in that particular occasion has some significance. In other words I think he could be paraphrazed as : "the greek phalanx was set in the way that is the normal for the greeks,and with which they can form any desirable depth. In this case they formed 4 deep in close order"
Khaire
Giannis