[split] Phalanx warfare: use of the spear

[JaM]

Bryan:

on your picture:





I'd say guy with the Spartan shield would be most vulnerable to side strike from enemy that faces guy with the  warthog or even the chicken shield..

If reach was the main criteria for hoplite effectiveness, why didn't the Greeks go longer? Iphicrates' spear and the Macedonian cavalry's xyston were both one handed weapons much longer than the traditional dory. You'd think if hoplite battle came down to couched arm spear assaults and nothing more, then they would have figured out centuries earlier that the side with the slightly longer spear will always win. And yet, that's not at all how it happened.

and why exactly it would have to be one or another? they could easily close in like this, and fight whatever gives them advantage if enemy got too close.. You should consider the possibility spear could be used in various role, and crouched lance is also one of the options..

didn't wanted to post this before, but look at this video (of badly executed TV show on a channel that should not use name History) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuuehdOPTPQ