Sarissa is a long pike of 4 to 6 meters introduced by Philip II of Macedon used in his phalanxes. As the pike got taller the number of overlapping pikes projecting toward the enemy increase. Alexander also used this tactic in Asia with a supporting cavalary and light infantry with ranged weapons.
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| Phalanx with sarissa, P. Connolly, The Greek Armies, 1978 |
A lack of training and too great reliance on the phalanx without supporting cavalry and light infantry led to the final defeat of Macedon by Roman legions who proved to be more maneuverable at the Battle of Pydna on a rough terrain.
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| Phalanxes wielding sarissa, from the movie Alexander the Great, 2004 |
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| Phalanx formation view from top, from the movie Alexander the Great, 2004 |
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