Phalanx warfare: Closing of the ranks

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Good! What about later manuals however, which among others, list in their sources classical manuals now lost, and which organize the file in epistates and parastates?
This system points to the halving and doubling of the phalanx by each man stepping behind or next to the man in front of him.
It should be noted that this is an even easier way to do the maneuver for untrained men.
And also that in this case also you can double or half the depth of the phalanx without influencing its frontage.

Perhaps Xenophon's thorough description of how the phalanx in that case was formed is an indication that there were other ways too.

Of course, if you are in the March from a single line and need to form quickly into a phalanx then the 'traditional' method is more efficient and quick. But if you are already formed up and you need to change your depth stepping behind or next to the man in front is easier.

At Marathon last November we practiced a lot the Spartan countermarch. It is not exactly the same maneuver but it is very similar since you have to form in open order and then march between the two files. I have to say that although we were many hoplites from many countries never practiced before, we looked pretty impressive in the countermarch! No videos unfortunately.

Of course we also performed the doubling and halving described above, with the half file leaders leading forward.

Khaire
Giannis