Abstract

Ancient authors such as Aelian, Asclepiodotus, and Polybius all mention the Macedonian phalanx adopting a formation called the _synaspismos _in which the files of soldiers are so close together that their shields would overlap. Modern authors such as Walbank, Englishand Matthew argues that such a formation was impossible to assume in a battle scenario and that the ancient writers were mistaken, in its use in combat. Their argument is based on the fact that the manner of bearing the shield (_peltē_) and pike (_sarissa_) does not allow for such a tight formation. Through the use of experimental archaeology, this article however argues that the _synaspismos _formation was indeed a possibility, and that we are mistaken in modern view of how the _phalangite _wielded the _sarissa _pike.