There are not many different types of phalanx and the few there are are very similar. A hoplite phalanx is a battle formation constructed of four rows of men in a rectangular shape. The soldiers hold their spears in their right hand and their shield in their left hand, covering the person to the left. The spears are thrust in a forward motion toward the charging enemy. The phalanx tended to veer to the right because the soldiers on the left wanted to be more covered by the shields causing a wall of shields and spears. The effectiveness of the phalanx depended on how well the soldiers maintained their formation. In a battle of phalanx verse phalanx, it became a pushing match and the deeper phalanx would usually win. If the line broke, they would need to be disciplined and courageous in order to win. There is a Greek word, “dynamis”, which means “will to fight.” The general would shout that out to drive the Hoplites further on. If the right side of the phalanx was dominating, they were more likely to win. If you were in a battle with two hoplite phalanx, you would want to be on the side with more discipline and courage and the ability to be deeper and able to dominate the right.
