A formation of soldiers standing closely together with overlapping shields, used in ancient warfare by Greeks and others.
From Ancient Greek 'phalanx' (φάλαγξ), entered English through Latin and French. The word originally referred to a log or beam before military usage developed.
The Greek phalanx/falange was revolutionized by Philip II of Macedon, who made it so dominant that his son Alexander used it to conquer the known world—it was the tank of the ancient world.
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