They carried shields? I thought the sarissa was too unwieldly to be used in one hand? :o
That was actually a major difference between the phalanx and later pike formations!
The Macedonian phalanx still maintained a shield, but it was smaller than the traditional hoplon, and strapped to the arm instead of held with the hand. This mean that phalangites did have two hands, technically, to handle the sarissa, but with one arm a little bit… obstructed.
Later medieval pike formations tended to prefer heavier armor and to eschew shields, leaving both hands completely free to handle the pike, making the formations more maneuverable and effective.
Makes sense! Thanks for your always detailed and informative answers ❤️
“Total War” led me to really appreciate this formation.
