Weapons Systems
Sarissa
Also Known As Sarisa
Ancient, Macedon
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The sarissa was a very long spear or pike, roughly 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) in length, introduced by Philip II of Macedon to replace the shorter dory spear used by earlier Greek hoplites. Wielded two-handed by the Macedonian phalangite in a deep formation, it gave the phalanx its defining hedge of overlapping pike points. No complete sarissa survives archaeologically, so its exact length and construction remain matters of scholarly reconstruction.
Facts
Disputed
Introduced YearCredited to Philip II of Macedon, whose reign began in 359 BC; ancient sources do not give a specific year for the sarissa's adoption within it. Weapon Class Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Sarissa
Wikipedialead paragraphQuote, lead paragraph
The sarissa or sarisa was a long spear or pike
1. Wikipedia: Sarissa
Wikipedialead sentenceQuote, lead sentence
The sarissa or sarisa
Wikipedia: Macedonian phalanx
WikipediaAssociated With: Macedonian Army, Equipment sectionQuote, Associated With: Macedonian Army, Equipment section
The weapons of the first five rows of men all projected beyond the front of the formation, so that there were more spear points than available targets
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