Final answer:
The phalanx, a dense formation of hoplites, was developed during the Greek Archaic Age, which significantly influenced both military tactics and political structures in the Greek city-states.
Step-by-step explanation:
Military Formation Developed During the Greek Archaic Age
The military formation that was developed during the Greek Archaic Age (c. 776-510 BCE) was the phalanx. This formation was a tactical innovation, consisting of a dense line of spearmen, who were known as hoplites. Each hoplite provided protection for the man to his left with his shield, creating a wall of defense. This formation required that each hoplite be a free citizen who could afford his own weapon and armor, and necessitated regular training and coordination among the soldiers to effectively maneuver in battle.
The hoplites played a critical role not only in warfare but also in politics, as their service in defense of the city-states gained them increased political influence. Their impact was seen in various realms, including the emergence of democracies such as Athens and the political structures within other Greek poleis.
The phalanx formation was highly effective on the battlefield, and when rival city-states clashed, their hoplite phalanxes were the dominant force until one side was defeated. This military strategy represented a shift towards organized, state-financed armies from previously volunteer citizen-soldiers, and foreshadowed the complex interlinking of military organization and politics during the Archaic period.