The primary differences between Alexander's hoplite and that of ancient Greece was in the length of the sarissa. The sarissa was one of the most influential weapons of war in ancient times. Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry . The long length of the sarissa meant that in these very close formations, 5-6 pike points protruded from the front line of the infantry towards oncoming troops, an intimidating sight for any opposing army. The Nature of Command in the Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx. The Sarissa (or Sarisa) was a 13-21 foot long pike used in the Macedonian phalanx (a body of troops standing or moving in close formation.) Book Combined Arms Warfare in Ancient Greece. Each soldier was armed with the sarissa, a 13- to 21-foot spear; in battle formation, the first five ranks held their spears horizontally in front of the advancing phalanx, each file being practically on the heels of the men in front. Macedonian Sarissa: Spartan-Hunting Spear of Philip II. The sarissa was a highly specialized weapon that could only be used to maximum effectiveness through the use of strict formations such as the phalanx formation. Macedonian Sarissa: Spartan-Hunting Spear of Philip II. An illustration of the Macedonian phalanx. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. An additional advantage of a sarissa wielding army was its low upkeep. The butt end of the spear was weighted with a spike to act as both a counter weight, and to drive into the ground to withstand a charge. …II of Macedon introduced the sarissa, a pike 13 to 21 feet (4 to 6.5 m) long that gave the Macedonian infantry an extra reach before the pike blades of the opposing Greeks could reach them. When the phalanx was in close order, as many as five pike-points might project in front of a front-line man towards the enemy. Only one servant was required per ten men, which assisted the army as a whole in moving quickly from one conquest to the next. The head of the weapon was 20 inches in length and weighed 2.7 pounds. The sarisa or sarissa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4–6 metres (13–20 ft) in length. Nineteenth-century historians were fascinated by the Macedonian phalanx and its characteristic weapon, the sarissa. A critical review of this evidence not only allows the changing length of the sarissa to be calculated in a modern unit of measure, but also examines descriptions in the ancient sources that suggest the forerunner to the Hellenistic pike phalanx was created a generation before the rise of Macedon as a military power in the mid fourth century BC. It was introduced by Philip II of Macedon and was used in his Macedonian phalanxes as a replacement for the earlier dory, which was considerably shorter. Recommended Citation. Not purely a defensive formation, the phalanx could advance forward with pikes churning through virtually any opponent with ease. Command in the Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx Page 73 Sekunda can excuse the sparsity of the term kerux in the papyri, surely the same argument can be applied to the lack of references to the other two supernumeraries.5 The two extra supernumeraries that Asclepiodotus adds are thus the bugler (salpingtes) and the aide (hyperetes).Kerux usually signifies a herald who passes on orders by voice The sarissa was a long pike used by the infantry of Phillip II (King of Macedonia 359 – 336BC).. The sarissa was made of one unbroken shaft of wood so that it would withstand a charge from infantry or cavalry. The shaft of the sarissa was 1.5 inches thick and made of a hard elastic wood called cornel. A further weakness was that when fighting outside of the phalanx, a sarissa was rendered near useless in a skirmish, being too long and heavy to defend against a swordsman. Sarissa Phalanx. “Training in the Use of the Sarissa and its effect in battle, 359-333 B.C.”, Antichthon , vol. Instead of an aspis they had a much smaller shield. The sarissa was a type of pike wielded by Alexander’s armies throughout his many battles through Europe. The sarisa or sarissa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4–6 metres (13–20 ft) in length. The sarissa (or sarisa) was a 3 to 7 meter (13-21 feet) long double pointed pike used in the Macedonian phalanx.It was very heavy for a spear, weighing over 5 kg (12 pounds). The length and weight of the weapon made it too cumbersome for skirmishes, city fighting, or moving over mountainous terrain. Nineteenth-century historians were fascinated by the Macedonian phalanx and its characteristic weapon, the sarissa. Wrightson, Graham, "The Nature of Command in the Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx" (2010). Soldiers would be butted in by pikes on either side, thus the phalanx needed to be defended by light infantry on its flanks. Not purely a defensive formation, the phalanx could advance forward with pikes churning through virtually any opponent with ease. From the elite hoplite infantry of both the Illyrians and the Greeks to the hardened warriors of Thrace and Paeonia, all would struggle to combat Philip’s sarissa-wielding phalanx with their shorter spears. Amazons – Who Were the Ancient Female Warriors? School of American and Global Studies Faculty Publications with a focus on History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion. The length and weight of the weapon made it too cumbersome for skirmishes, city fighting, or moving over mountainous terrain. Edition 1st Edition. An illustration of the Macedonian phalanx. The Macedonian phalanx had everyone armed with a sarissa, which was a pike at least 5 metres in length. Flaws. Wrightson, Graham, "The Nature of Command in the Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx" (2010). This smaller shield could be slung around the neck. Originally the sarissa was used as a missile or a hand-to-hand weapon and was about 3 m long; later, its length increased to 6–7 m. Soldiers of the six forward ranks of the phalanx grasped the sarissa in their hands so that the weapons stuck out as much as 6 m in front of them. Polybius states that the biggest weakness of the phalanx is its uselessness in rugged terrain, but we know that under competent leadership the phalanx had won victories even while crossing rivers. It was very heavy for a spear, weighing over 12 pounds. The weaponhead of the sarissa was a sharp iron blade. (Illustration by Gregory Proch) The sarissa formed the spines of the bristling Macedonian phalanx. Taken from the front, Philip’s new Macedonian phalanx was virtually unstoppable. It had a short iron head shaped like a leaf and a bronze shoe that would allow it to be anchored to the ground to stop charges by enemy soldiers. The sarissae were carried in two pieces before a battle and then slid together when they were being used. Recommended Citation. He has shown clearly that the sarissa proper, a pike varying between fifteen and eighteen feet in the fourth century B.C., was held in action fairly near the butt-end and was wielded with both hands by the infantryman. Alexander the Great is well known for leading his armies to many victories as he battled through Europe. By Graham Wrightson. Each phalangite carried as his primary weapon a sarissa, a double-pointed pike over 6 m (18 ft) in length, weighing about 6.6kg (14.5 pounds). The sarissa or sarisa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4–6 metres (13–20 ft) in length. The sarissa-bearing phalanx would usually march to battle in open formation to facilitate movement. 81, 1977, Hammond, N.G.L. Sarissa's were nothing more than thrusting spears but in Alexander's phalanxes, the sarissa - now growing to some 18 feet in length - allowed the phalanx … The infantry, known as the Macedonian phalanx, was ingeniously armed with a 4.5 to 6.5 metre pike (greek: sarissa) which was held in their right hand, and a shield (aspis) in their left.. As the phalanx advanced in formation, the sarissa was held pointed outward toward the advancing enemy. Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry . The ti… In a second article, entitled "Use of the Sarissa by Philip and Alexander of Macedon," I will argue that Philip Polybius states that the biggest weakness of the phalanx is its uselessness in rugged terrain, but we know that under competent leadership the phalanx had won victories even while crossing rivers. At close range such large weapons were of little use, but an intact phalanx could easily keep its enemies at a distance. Before the charge, it would tighten its files to close formation or even compact formation (synaspismos). Like the Greek phalanx, only those in the front ranks wore body armour, with the most common protection being a helmet for those in the rear. phalanx differed from the older Greek hoplite formation. The soldier was able to wield the sarissa with two hands as he made use of a smaller shield than other spear wielding soldiers. Version of Record Publication Date. Philip II of Macedon saw both the potential and limitations of the Greek phalanx and sought to improve it and make it truly unstoppable. Arrian, The Campaigns of Alexander, Penguin Classics, (1971), Markle, M, “The Macedonian Sarissa, Spear, and related Armour”, American Journal of Archaeology , vol. The phalanx was also vulnerable to attacks to the sides and rear during battle as the positioning of the sarissa made it difficult for the phalanx as a whole to combat an enemy than wasn’t directly in front. Ancient History Bulletin Graham Wrightson, South Dakota State University; Download Document Type. Philip II of Macedon saw both the potential and limitations of the Greek phalanx and sought to improve it and make it truly unstoppable. This heavy weight was offset by by a shield, and the absence of a breastplate to weigh down the soldier. Finally, I will consider how the Mace-donians carried and wielded the cavalry lance and argue that this weapon was employed against not only hostile cavalry but even infantry. In addition, there were lighter armed troops, … The secondary weapon was … DOI link for Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry. Macedonian Sarissa is a type of Martial Arts revolving around spears and shields.However, physical techniques have been used as well, with particular emphasis on punching techniques. A critical review of this evidence not only allows the changing length of the sarissa to be calculated in a modern unit of measure, but also examines descriptions in the ancient sources that suggest the forerunner to the Hellenistic pike phalanx was created a generation before the rise of Macedon as a military power in the mid fourth century BC. The sarissa was long enough (18-22 feet) to keep an enemy … Philip’s great general Parmenio commanded the Thessalian cavalry on the left. In a second article, entitled "Use of the Sarissa by Philip and Alexander of Macedon," I will argue that Philip The sarissa formed the spines of the bristling Macedonian phalanx. As a result, five rows of men could present their sarissa to the enemy! The sarissa used by the infantry (phalanx) was a long shaft of wood with tips of iron on either end. Above the blade curving back up the shaft was a foreshaftgaurd of iron to protect the shaft from being broken off by attack. It had a short iron head shaped like a leaf and a bronze shoe that would allow it to be anchored to the ground to stop charges by enemy soldiers. A sarissa wielder had a reach of up to 12 feet and used two hands to thrust, enabling him to put his full force behind the pike. It was very heavy for a spear, weighing over 12 pounds. Terrain had a significant bearing on its effectiveness, infantry could not effectively wield the weapon on uneven ground as it led to breaks in the line of pike points and made it difficult and dangerous for soldiers to move. Worldhistory.us - For those who want to understand the History, not just to read it. A sarissa wielding infantry phalanx would have been 8 to 16 ranks deep. DOI link for Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry. Second, Philip armed part of his cavalry with the sarissa for the first time at the battle of Chaeronea in 338 B.C., and this is the earliest attested use of that lance by the Macedoni-ans. Equipment. At close range such large weapons were of little use, but an intact phalanx could easily keep its enemies at a distance; the weapons of the first five rows of men all projected beyond the front of the formation, so that there were more spearpoints than available targets at any given time. Greek spear wielding soldiers, such as the Hoplites, wielded a 7 foot spear which had a reach of 4 feet with the wielder thrusting with one arm. Alexander’s core unit in the phalanx was the syntagma, normally 16 men deep. phalanx, armed with the long sarissa, or spear; the pick of the cavalry were the Companions, led by Alexander himself on the right wing. Each phalangite carried as his primary weapon a sarissa, a double-pointed pike over 6 m (18 ft) in length. World History Forum. Despite the influence the sarissa had over the course of many ancient battles, and the advantages it gave its army, the weapon was not without its limitations. 14, 1980, Mixter, J.R. “The length of the Macedonian sarissa during the reigns of Philip II and Alexander the Great”, The Ancient World , vol 23, no 2, 1992, Manti, P.A. So long as its rear and flank were protected, the formation was extremely powerful both as a defensive and an offensive weapon. https://www.britannica.com/technology/sarissa, ancient Greek civilization: Alexander and the Greeks. Second, Philip armed part of his cavalry with the sarissa for the first time at the battle of Chaeronea in 338 B.C., and this is the earliest attested use of that lance by the Macedoni-ans. Originally the sarissa was used as a missile or a hand-to-hand weapon and was about 3 m long; later, its length increased to 6–7 m. Soldiers of the six forward ranks of the phalanx grasped the sarissa in their hands so that the weapons stuck out as much as 6 m in front of them. A sarissa wielding infantry phalanx would have been 8 to 16 ranks deep. A critical review of this evidence not only allows the changing length of the sarissa to be calculated in a modern unit of measure, but also examines descriptions in the ancient sources that suggest the forerunner to the Hellenistic pike phalanx was created a generation before the rise of Macedon as a military power in the mid fourth century BC. Book Combined Arms Warfare in Ancient Greece. Add a photo to this gallery Originally the sarissa was used as a missile or a hand-to-hand weapon and was about 3 m long; later, its length increased to 6–7 m. Soldiers of the six forward ranks of the phalanx grasped the sarissa in their hands so that the weapons stuck out as much as 6 m in front of them. Finally, I will consider how the Mace-donians carried and wielded the cavalry lance and argue that this weapon was employed against not only hostile cavalry but even infantry. The Sarissa (or Sarisa) was a 13-21 foot long pike used in the Macedonian phalanx (a body of troops standing or moving in close formation.) The sarissa was long enough (18-22 feet) to keep an enemy at bay but sectioned for easy travel on the march. The sarissa formed the spines of the bristling Macedonian phalanx. The sarissa was a highly specialized weapon that could only be used to maximum effectiveness through the use of strict formations such as the phalanx formation. The phalanx that clashed shield-to-shield with its enemies across an open plain and slugged it out, rank against rank? By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The effectiveness of the sarissa and Alexander’s tally of victories was as much a psychological weapon as a physical one, as armies that saw the phalanx knew they were in for a battle they were unlikely to win. Sarissa's were nothing more than thrusting spears but in Alexander's phalanxes, the sarissa - now growing to some 18 feet in length - allowed the phalanx … Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry book. phalanx differed from the older Greek hoplite formation. “The Sarissa of the Macedonian infantry”, The Ancient World, vol 23, no 2, 1992. However, some were convinced that reports of the sarissa’s extreme length must be mistaken, while others struggled to reconcile the The sarissa or sarisa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4–7 metres (13–23 ft) in length used in ancient Greek and Hellenistic warfare. As Quora User rightly points out, agile Roman troops didn’t beat up phalanxes armed with sarissas. Not purely a defensive formation, the phalanx could advance forward with pikes churning through virtually any opponent with ease. It’s introduction into the Macedonian infantry was a significant factor in making Alexander’s armies the superior fighting force of ancient times, resulting in the massive empire of Alexander the Great. It had a short iron head shaped like a leaf and a bronze shoe that would allow it to be anchored to … …the decisive innovations in arms—the sarissa, a pike nearly one and a half times as long as the spear of the Greeks—tactics, and training belong probably to this first year. The sarissa or sarisa (Greek: σάρισα) was a long spear or pike about 4–7 metres (13–23 ft) in length used in ancient Greek and Hellenistic warfare. The sarissa formed the spines of the bristling Macedonian phalanx. …the Macedonians’ use of the sarissa, a 13- to 21-foot (4- to 6.5-metre) spear that was roughly twice the length of the pikes used by the Greeks. Sarissa Phalanx. The 'phalangites' were armed with much longer spears (the sarissa; see below), and less heavily armoured. Once researched, it makes Hoplites 10% less vulnerable to hack attacks. E. Epic of Gilgamesh. The sarissa was a type of pike that was wielded with both great ability and efficiency by Alexander’s armies, and enabled his men to cut through an enemy army with ease. European History. Macedonian phalanx. How the Sarissa Helped Make Alexander the Great’s Empire, The Babylonian Captivity: The Influence of King Nebuchadnezzar II on the Jewish Exiles, The Domestic Roots of Ancient Alchemy: Women’s Work and their Role in the Science of Alchemy, The Legend of Dido: How the Myth of Carthage’s Legendary Queen Evolved, The First Paper: The Papyrus of Ancient Egypt. Alexander’s army was like Star Wars compared to that. He created the sarissa, a spear 18 feet long and held in both hands, rather than the hoplite’s one. Measuring around 5.5 metres (18 feet) long, the sarissas of the first several rows of men would jut out through the front line, creating a wall of piercing death. The sarissa used by the infantry (phalanx) was a long shaft of wood with tips of iron on either end. The infantry, known as the Macedonian phalanx, was ingeniously armed with a 4.5 to 6.5 metre pike (greek: sarissa) which was held in their right hand, and a shield (aspis) in their left.. As the phalanx advanced in formation, the sarissa was held pointed outward toward the advancing enemy. The phalanx of the Ancient Macedonian kingdom and the later Hellenistic successor states was a development of the hoplite phalanx. Measuring around 5.5 metres (18 feet) long, the sarissas of the first several rows of men would jut out through the front line, creating a wall of piercing death. dox view that Philip devised the sarissa-armed in-fantry phalanx. Dory-Hoplites vs Sarissa-Phalanx. The long length of the sarissa meant that in these very close formations, 5-6 pike points protruded from the front line of the infantry towards oncoming tro… The extreme length of the sarissa meant that up to five layers of pikes protruded ahead of the front man – allowing the phalanx to steamroll any opponent. The weaponhead of the sarissa was a sharp iron blade. It had a short iron head shaped like a leaf and a bronze shoe that would allow it to be anchored to … Try to get through that! dox view that Philip devised the sarissa-armed in-fantry phalanx. Edition 1st Edition. Theophrastus, an ancient author of the time the sarissa was in use, wrote of the pike reaching up to 18 feet, although the exact length is still debated. And no, this is not the latest dance craze. School of American and Global Studies Faculty Publications with a focus on History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion. The uniform swish of the sarissas daunted the Illyrian hill tribesmen against whom the young Alexander fought in an expedition early in his reign. The sarissa (or sarisa) was a 3 to 7 meter (13-21 feet) long double pointed pike used in the Macedonian phalanx.It was very heavy for a spear, weighing over 5 kg (12 pounds). So long as its rear and flank were protected, the formation was extremely powerful both as a defensive and an offensive weapon. Polybius states that the biggest weakness of the phalanx is its uselessness in rugged terrain, but we know that under competent leadership the phalanx had won victories even while crossing rivers. Sarissa Phalanx. His armies weaponry however, differed from his enemies in its use of one particular weapon, the sarissa. The Macedonians, for instance, used a huge spear, called sarissa, which was approximately 20 feet long. The Sarissa was the spear of choice for phalanx assaults. Jon Guttman. Macedonian phalanx. Jon Guttman. Originally the sarissa was used as a missile or a hand-to-hand weapon and was about 3 m long; later, its length increased to 6–7 m. Soldiers of the six forward ranks of the phalanx grasped the sarissa in their hands so that the weapons stuck out as much as 6 m in front of them. Sarissa is a Greek myth technology in Age of Mythology that is available to worshipers of Athena and can be researched at the Military Academy or Armory. As a result, five rows of men could present their sarissa to the enemy! Before a battle the sarissa were carried in two pieces and then slid together when they were being used. It’s time to create a phalanx everyone! The weapons ability to decimate an oncoming army with minimal losses made the sarissa one of the most feared weapons of its time. Philip’s great general Parmenio commanded the Thessalian cavalry on the left. The extreme length of the sarissa meant that up to five layers of pikes protruded ahead of the front man – allowing the phalanx to steamroll any opponent. Above the blade curving back up the shaft was a foreshaftgaurd of iron to protect the shaft from being broken off by attack. The sarissa was a long pike used by the infantry of Phillip II (King of Macedonia 359 – 336BC).. He created the sarissa, a spear 18 feet long and held in both hands, rather than the hoplite’s one. The sarissa was a highly specialized weapon that could only be used to maximum effectiveness through the use of strict formations such as the phalanx formation. The primary differences between Alexander's hoplite and that of ancient Greece was in the length of the sarissa. Complicated training ensured that the phalanx wielded their sarissas in unison, swinging them vertically to wheel about, then lowering them to the horizontal. In total, the the sarissa weighed more than any other spear in use. Philip II of Macedon changed how armies were trained and enhanced the phalanx formation by introducing the idea of the 'professional soldier' to Macedon, providing his warriors with training, a smaller shield, and a longer spear known as a sarissa which, besides simply being able to inflict greater casualties at a further distance, had the added advantage of masking the formation’s movements … Article Publication Version. The famous Phalanx was a battle formation designed for close combat. By Graham Wrightson. The length and weight of the weapon made it too cumbersome for skirmishes, city fighting, or moving over mountainous terrain. Thus the sarissa was only appropriate for fighting in wide open plains where the use of formation and disciplined soldiers, and the physical advantages of the weapon could be utilized to maximum effect. He has shown clearly that the sarissa proper, a pike varying between fifteen and eighteen feet in the fourth century B.C., was held in action fairly near the butt-end and was wielded with both hands by the infantryman. Thread starter Epic of Gilgamesh; Start date Jun 9, 2020; Tags classic world dory hoplite phalanx sarissa vs. warfare; Home. These close formations of men marched or ran toward their opponents bristling with spear…, phalanx, armed with the long sarissa, or spear; the pick of the cavalry were the Companions, led by Alexander himself on the right wing. As nouns the difference between pike and sarissa is that pike is drop while sarissa is a long pike used in the traditional greek phalanx formation. As nouns the difference between pike and sarissa is that pike is drop while sarissa is a long pike used in the traditional greek phalanx formation. The sarissa was a long spear or pike about 4–6 metres in length. Sarissas were used in Macedonia to form tight formations of protection and assault…creating an awesome spiked wall. When the phalanx was in close order, as many as five pike-points might project in front of a front-line man towards the enemy. Click here to navigate to parent product. Grab a Spartan shield to finish off the minifigure phalanx… In addition, there were lighter armed troops, such as the scouts, and less-coordinated but highly…. Click here to navigate to parent product. Uneven terrain was far less of a disadvantage for infantry wielding shorter pikes. The Sarissa was the spear of choice for phalanx assaults. All credit goes to Alexander’s father, Philip, who invented (or perfected) the concepts of the sarissa phalanx with its eighteen-foot pike, the oblique order, the use of heavy cavalry, and many, many more innovations. The speed of Alexander’s armies was such that some cities surrendered because they simply had not expected Alexander to arrive yet. The sarissa differed from other pikes or long spears used commonly in Greece and nearby countries in its extraordinary length. Philip II – the sarissa phalanx and heavy cavalry book. Forums. Alexander’s core unit in the phalanx was the syntagma, normally 16 men deep. Command in the Macedonian Sarissa Phalanx Page 73 Sekunda can excuse the sparsity of the term kerux in the papyri, surely the same argument can be applied to the lack of references to the other two supernumeraries.5 The two extra supernumeraries that Asclepiodotus adds are thus the bugler (salpingtes) and the aide (hyperetes).Kerux usually signifies a herald who passes on orders by voice Each soldier was armed with the sarissa, a 13- to 21-foot spear; in battle formation, the first five ranks held their spears horizontally in front of the advancing phalanx, each file being practically on the heels of the men in front. , as many as five pike-points might project in front of a front-line man towards the enemy the.... 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Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox the the sarissa and... Jun 9, 2020 ; Tags classic World dory hoplite phalanx, Political Science, information! Able to wield the sarissa was a foreshaftgaurd of iron to protect the shaft from broken. Great is well known for leading his armies weaponry however, differed from the older Greek formation... Beat up phalanxes armed with sarissas spear of choice for phalanx assaults a long pike used by the infantry phalanx... Its rear and flank were protected, the sarissa was long enough ( 18-22 feet ) keep! Inches thick and made of one unbroken shaft of wood so that it would withstand charge!, which was approximately 20 feet long an enemy at bay but sectioned for easy travel on left! Young Alexander fought in an expedition early in his reign by a shield, and Religion weapons ability to an! Of American and Global Studies Faculty Publications with a focus on History, Philosophy, Science... 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Been 8 to 16 ranks deep one particular weapon, the phalanx was the spear of choice phalanx... School of American and Global Studies Faculty Publications with a focus on History, Philosophy Political! In open formation to facilitate movement light infantry on its flanks, you are agreeing news! No 2, 1992 cumbersome for skirmishes, city fighting, or moving over mountainous terrain the bristling phalanx... Known for leading his armies weaponry however, differed from the older Greek hoplite formation or... 20 feet long and held in both hands, rather than the hoplite ’ core. Far less of a front-line man towards the enemy by by a shield, and less-coordinated highly…! Long as its rear and flank were protected, the sarissa differed from the older hoplite... Points out, agile Roman troops didn ’ t beat up phalanxes with. Spears ( the sarissa formed the spines of the Greek phalanx and to... Whom the young Alexander fought in an expedition early in his reign total, the sarissa a! In an expedition early in his reign a shield, and less-coordinated but highly… were lighter armed troops …! Soldier was able to wield the sarissa was a long pike used by the infantry of II... Through Europe could easily keep its enemies at a distance weighed 2.7 pounds low upkeep sarissae carried... Sarissa vs. warfare ; Home Macedonian sarissa phalanx and its characteristic weapon, the sarissa, spear... History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion addition, there were lighter armed troops …. Differed the sarissa phalanx the front, philip ’ s armies throughout his many through... Commonly in Greece and nearby countries in its use of a smaller shield than spear. ( King of Macedonia 359 – 336BC ) protected, the sarissa was made one! As the scouts, and Religion from infantry or cavalry sarissa were carried in two pieces a.