Ancient Macedonian battle tactics Ancient Macedonia employed a range of tactics and formations in their military campaigns , the most notable of these is the Macedonian phalanx , Developed by Philip II and used extensively on campaign by his son Alexander the Great . Battle tactics prior to reforms of Phillip II . Prior to the reign of Philip II ( 382 – 336 BC ) Macedonia was a comparatively minor state with a mixed Hellenic and Barbarian culture . Its armies where similar to that of other Greek states to the south in that they employed to an extent the use of the phalanx . Such early Macedonian armies showed clear similarities with the military styles of nearby Barbarian states such as Thrace and Iyllria . The army most likely used the Doru and Aspis ( a mid - length Hellenic spear and solid metallic shield . ) The army was of no substantial threat or force ; prominence of the army only came after the reign of Phillip the II . Reforms of Phillip II . Phillip spent much of his early life held captive in Thebes , where he was educated in military theory by Epaminodas , It is evident Phillip greatly benefited from these teachings , once he became King of Macedonia he moved quickly to reform the old semi - Barbaric Macedonian army . He began by introducing the use of light effective cavalry , chiefly he created the companion cavalry and increased the use of horsemen from Thessaly . His most notable change however came in the introduction of the Macedonian phalanx , which although heavily derived from the older Hellenic hoplite phalanx , it was considered superior in many ways . Phillip also regularised the armies , introduced divisions and regiments and totally revolutionised the weaponry used by the soldiers of his state . Organisation . The basic unit of the Macedonian Phalanx was the " syntagma " , a collection of 256 men in a 16x16 strong square . Each column of the " syntagma " was known as a " lochos " and contained 16 men , the man at the front was known as the " lochagos " ( captain ) and the man at the back who guarded the rank ' s rear was the " ouragos " . Assuming rank number one is the rank first to the right when looking directly forward into the formation the 2nd rank contained a " dilocus " who was in charge of the two ranks and was superior to the other " lochagos " , the next " lochos " was controlled by a " lochagos " and the line after controlled by a " tetrairach " . The " tetrairach " controlled the first 4 ranks ( 64 men ) but directly controlled his own " lochos " . This pattern is repeated except in the 8th rank the " tetrairach " is known as a " taxitairch " , and he so forth controlled 128 men . The leader of the 2nd group of 8 ranks and therefore the leader of the whole " syntagma " was the " syntagmatairch " . He controlled the whole group of 256 men and was entrusted with their control during the intense difficulties of battle . The " syntagma " were grouped into 32 regiments collectively known as a " keras " ( wing ) each " keras " containing about 8192 men . The two " keras " together formed a full army , or a phalanx . This was in itself commanded by a " strategos " ( general ) . Weaponry . In accordance with the changes in formation that underwent the Macedonian Army , Phillip II also introduced new weaponry and equipment for his soldiers . Notably the Sarissa ( an 18 ft long Spear ) for use in the Phalanx to give soldiers additional range . To accompany this , Larger heavier aspis ' s were incorporated into the Army along with less flexible bronze armour and a distinctive new metal cap called a konos ( helmet ) which was a kind of Phrygian cap , Soldiers Weakness and defeat . The Macedonion ' Lochous ' , or individual unit , when grouped together , were nearly invincible from the front , but incredibly weak from the rear and flanks . Thus , " hammer and anvil " tactics were often the most effective way in beating a phalanx . Infantry engages from the front , while cavalry circles the wings , and charges repeatedly into the rear of the phalanx , until the army is totally annihilated .