Question

Why was the phalanx an effective military formation? A.Light infantry was placed in front, thereby saving the heavy infantry. B.The tactical formation was fast and easy to maneuver. C.The use of shields protected soldiers and helped maintain formation as a single solid unit. D.Soldiers would break formation and attack once the enemy was in sight

Answer 1

The phalanx was an effective military formation because its arrangement allowed for strong collective defense, with shields forming a wall and spears deterring attackers. It was a solid formation but not easy to maneuver. It was most effective in open, flat terrains.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phalanx was an effective military formation primarily because of the collective strength and protection it provided to the soldiers. The use of large shields and long spears, in a tight, interlocking formation, provided a formidable defense against enemy attacks. The formation was solid, with the shields forming a wall and the spears pointed outward to detract any oncoming attacks. This formation fortuitously facilitated maintaining formation as a single solid unit during battles.

However, the phalanx was not without its weaknesses. While it was a strong defensive formation, it was not particularly versatile or nimble. It was slow to maneuver and was most effective on open, flat terrain. Any disturbance in the formation, such as uneven ground, could create vulnerabilities.

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