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I could just look this up on Google, but then how fun is that?

My dad and I were talking the other day on why the Phalanx on destroyers are named the way they are.  We were almost agreeing, but he insisted that Phalanx was an Amry formation/tactic, where as I insisted it was a weapon.  Basically a very heavy spear thrown by a very strong man over a very long distance.  Question is, what is that spear called?

PS: My dad is right.

[quote]I could just look this up on Google, but then how fun is that?

My dad and I were talking the other day on why the Phalanx on destroyers are named the way they are.

" The Macedonians (Alexander the Great and his father, Philip) perfected the older Greek Phalanx formation in the 4th cenury BC. This fighting organization consisted of heavily armored infantry carrying a shield and a long (up to 18 feet) spear. The basic formation was 250 men wide and 16 men deep. The Macedonian innovation was to have each rank holding the spear at a different length so that when the spears were held parallel to the ground, the front of the formation was a wall of spear points. When charging at a trot, the Phalanx carried all before it, whether the foe be infantry, cavalry, or even chariots. This formation was unwieldy, and required constant practice to make it work on the battlefield. The Romans beat it by being even more flexible on the battlefield, using tactics which permitted their swordsmen to pass under the spearpoints, and maneuvering to hit the Phalanx on its vulnerable flank or rear."

Note that the basic formation - massed blocks of infantry - returned to basic use with the introduction of firearms - muskets, rifles - up to the latter years of the 19th century, when massed fire was the norm.  The formation finally was done away by the introduction of rapid and accurate fire in the form of repeating and automatic weapons.

classical history geekness mode...

• Macedonain Phalanx NEVER did throw their spears.
• Phalanx only worked with support of cavaly and light troops (spear throwing guys called 'Peltastai'). As soon as their support units were dispersed, it became an easy hunt as the weight of their body armor and weapons slowed them down enormously.
• Phalanx usually were deployed in 4-deep or 8-deep formations, depending on strength of the enemy.
• Phalanx units used different length spears after the experience with the formation type grew.
• Roman soldiers did NOT pass under the spearpoints, they threw ther 'Pila' spears first, killing or knocking down the guys at the front of the formation. They used the open points in the formation to make a charge. Their longer swords and better swordfighting training usually led to defeat of the phalanx formation.