The Greek phalanx was a military formation used by ancient Greek armies, particularly during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. It consisted of heavily armed infantry soldiers called hoplites who stood shoulder to shoulder in rows, creating a solid wall of shields and spears. This formation allowed for effective defense and offense in battle, as the soldiers could push against their enemies while maintaining a strong defensive line. The success of the phalanx relied on discipline and coordination among the soldiers. Each hoplite carried a large round shield, known as a aspis, and a long spear called a dory. The phalanx was instrumental in many key battles, including the famous Battle of Marathon, showcasing the effectiveness of this tactical approach in ancient warfare.