06-24-2009, 05:53 PM
As for the role of half files, no matter what the norm of a file depth (could be 6, 8 sometimes in barbarian armies 10), sometimes they would deploy shallow, that is in half depth. This would be the case in mainly two circumstances. First, in case the line was too short and the enemy not especially well trained or experienced (Caesar in Pharsalus) and secondly, as most manuals suggest , in case an enemy appeared behind the line and there was no reserve line available. In this case, a file would split and a diphalangia (double phalanx) would form, each one facing a different direction. In the Macedonian phalanx there was an additional reason. Macedonian phalanxes would sometimes deploy in synaspismos, a density tighter than close formation. Although the term is used very often in many texts, we have to keep in mind that the macedonian synbaspismos was different from normal synaspismos, mainly, because the Macedonian shields were much shorter in diameter and synaspismos as we all kow means "overlapping of shields". Philip II is accredited its invention (inspired by the Iliad), at a time when the hoplites of course fought in their own compact formation also called synaspismos, yet with much larger shields. Thus, whereas we have two main types of density in the hoplite (and Roman) lines (open and close), we have an additional one for the pike phalanx, the "hyperpykni" as is called in contrast to the simple "pykni". So, a normal depth of 16 men in a Macedonian phalanx was necessary for it to be able to deploy in the "hyperpikni" density (it would then fall down to files of 8 men). It seems that this type of density was very common, so should we talk about final depths, I would suggest that normally a Macedonian phalanx would fight 8 men deep but in double density. It seems that armies not fighting with pikes would not be able to fight in "hyperpikni" formation, with absolutely no room to move your weapon and shield (a phallangite didn't actually have to. His small shield was strapped on his shoulder, his pike was only swung back and forth and in very short angles ), so this density was not applicable to them.
In conclusion, half files were tactically important, so it is not peculiar that there was an officer in charge and we have to keep in mind that for the Macedonian phalanx there were three available densities, not just two (araie (normally 32 men deep during march), pykne (16) and hyperpykne (8)).
In conclusion, half files were tactically important, so it is not peculiar that there was an officer in charge and we have to keep in mind that for the Macedonian phalanx there were three available densities, not just two (araie (normally 32 men deep during march), pykne (16) and hyperpykne (8)).
