New paradigm reveals Greek warfare was combined arms. New orthodoxy: only first 2-3 ranks of phalanx could engage in combat, not entire formation Phalanx likely had looser spacing enabling shield wall and limited dueling Battle strategy focused on opening gaps in enemy formation rather than shoving match
A new orthodoxy suggests only the front 2‑3 ranks of a phalanx actually fought, with looser spacing for a shield wall and limited dueling. Greeks relied on combined arms—cavalry, missile troops, terrain—to open gaps, while pitched battles were rare. The Peloponnesian War marks a peak of this mixed‑tactics approach, with Spartans as the notable exception of full‑time professionals.
Key Facts
- New orthodoxy: only first 2-3 ranks of phalanx could engage in combat, not entire formation
- Phalanx likely had looser spacing enabling shield wall and limited dueling
- Battle strategy focused on opening gaps in enemy formation rather than shoving match
- Greeks used combined arms: phalanx supported by cavalry, missile troops, geographical features
- Pitched battles were rare; skirmishes, sieges, raiding, and civilian massacres were norm
- The Delian War represents culmination of Greek warfare, not breakdown of phalanx
- Spartans were exception as full-time professional soldiers; most hoplites were citizen militia
Source: Why Historians Don’t Know How Ancient Greeks Waged War by The Historian's Craft