Welcome to the Ancient History thread, a thread to debate all matters pertaing to ancient history.
We begin today with the oft argued chestnut,
Who invented the Phalanx?
It is a common misconcepion that Alexander the Great invented the Phalanx military formation. While Alexander did indeed export it throughout the known world with outrageous success, it was in fact his auld fella, Phillip II (who was murdered in mysterious circumstances) who developed it from its primitave Sumerian origin into the all conquering battle juggernaut of its day.
Sumerian Phalanx from the time of King Eannatum of Lagash over Umma circa 2500 BC
Archtypal Greek Phalanx from the time of King Phillip II circa 350 BC
**Note of interest **
Although the 6 metre long spears look and serve the same essential function as pikes there were in fact called Sarrisa’s back in those days