sarissa
Quick Summary
The sarissa was a long spear, or pike, used in ancient warfare. It was a significant weapon, particularly for the Macedonian army under Philip II and Alexander the Great.1
Key features of the sarissa:
* Length: The sarissa was exceptionally long, initially around 13 to 21 feet (4 to 6.5 meters) and later growing to over 21 feet (more than 6 meters). This gave Macedonian infantry a considerable reach advantage over opponents armed with shorter spears.21
* Usage: It was primarily a thrusting weapon, wielded by tightly packed infantry formations known as phalanxes. The sarissa's length allowed soldiers to present a bristling wall of points to the enemy.13
* Tactical Significance: The sarissa was instrumental in the military successes of Macedon, enabling their infantry to dominate battlefields by outranging enemy weapons.21
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ancient Greek civilizationAlexander and the Greeksphalanx, armed with the long sarissa, or spear; the pick of the cavalry were the Companions, led by Alexander himself on the right wing. Philipâs great general Parmenio commanded the Thessalian cavalry on the left. In addition, there were lighter armed troops, such as the scouts, and less-coordinated but highlyâŠ
Read Morephalanx, armed with the long sarissa, or spear; the pick of the cavalry were the Companions, led by Alexander himself on the right wing. Philipâs great general Parmenio commanded the Thessalian cavalry on the left. In addition, there were lighter armed troops, such as the scouts, and less-coordinated but highlyâŠ
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Battle of ChaeroneaâŠthe Macedoniansâ 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.
Read MoreâŠthe Macedoniansâ 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.
Read More