Phalanx

Phalanx, ancient Greek infantry formation, consisting of rows of eight men, each heavily armed with an overlapping shield and long pike. Philip II of Macedon developed a phalanx of 16 men, which his son Alexander the Great used in defeating the Persians. After defeat by Rome in 168 B.C. the phalanx became outmoded.

See also: Greece, Ancient; Infantry.