Phalanx

thumb|upright=0.8|right|A Greek hoplite Hoplites ( ; ) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers used the phalanx formation to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimise its strengths. The hoplites were primarily represented by free citizens – propertied farmers and artisans – who were able to afford a linen or bronze armour suit and weapons (estimated at a third to a half of its able-bodied adult ma

thumb|upright=1.4|Sumerian phalanx-like formation , from detail of the victory stele of King Eannatum of Lagash over [[Umma, called the Stele of the Vultures]]

thumb|upright=1.95|Macedonian phalanx

thumb|Replica triarius metal mail armor, gladius and shield on display at the Flavian Amphitheater, Rome, Italy Triarii (: triarius) ("the third liners") were one of the elements of the early Roman military manipular legions of the early Roman Republic (509 BC – 107 BC). They were the oldest and among the wealthiest men in the army and could afford high quality equipment. They wore heavy metal armor and carried large shields, their usual position being the third battle line. They were equipped with spears and were considered to be elite soldiers among the legion.

ancient infantry formation

A schiltron (also spelled sheltron, sceld-trome, schiltrom, or shiltron) is a compact body of troops forming a battle array, shield wall or phalanx. The term is most often associated with Scottish pike formations during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. thumb|Depiction of the Battle of Bannockburn, with schiltron of pikeman on the left. == Etymology == The term dates from at least 1000 AD and derives from Old English roots expressing the idea of a "shield-troop". Some researchers have also posited this etymological relation may show the schiltron is d