The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation used by the ancient Macedonian army, particularly under the leadership of Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great. This formation consisted of heavily armed infantry soldiers called hoplites, who stood in rows, typically eight deep, with long spears known as sarissas. The phalanx was designed for close combat and relied on the strength of its collective front. The effectiveness of the Macedonian phalanx lay in its ability to create a wall of spears that could push back enemy forces. This formation allowed for coordinated movements and provided a strong defense, making it a key factor in the military successes of the Macedonian Empire during the 4th century BCE.