Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx

Timeline

1. c. -350–-336Pella · MacedoniaPhilip II introduced longer sarissas, organizing infantry into phalanxes 16 to 32 ranks deep; with professional training and disciplined drill, this created an assault force that overwhelmed traditional Greek hoplites.
2. -334–-323Asia Minor to the Indus River valley · Indus River valleyAlexander used the Macedonian phalanx as the battle anchor, pinning the enemy front while companion cavalry struck the flanks, defeating Persian imperial armies in multiple major battles and serving as the key tactical pillar of his eastern conquests.
3. -323–-200Hellenistic world · Hellenistic worldThe successor kingdoms continued to use the Macedonian phalanx, but its lack of maneuverability became apparent in difficult terrain and against Roman legions; after the 2nd century BCE its military advantage was replaced by more flexible tactical systems.