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Sarissa

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Illustration of a Macedonian phalanx: ancient soldiers standing closely together with long spears, showing a historical battle formation.

The Sarissa

The sarissa was a very long spear used by ancient soldiers. It was much longer than other spears, measuring about 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet). This long spear was created by Philip II of Macedon and became important for his soldiers called Macedonian phalanxes.

The sarissa had a long wooden shaft and a metal tip. Some sarissas may have also had a metal end at the back. Soldiers using the sarissa often carried a smaller shield to protect themselves.

After Alexander the Great went on his adventures, the sarissa continued to be used. It was a key weapon during the Hellenistic era from the 4th to the 1st centuries BCE. Many Hellenistic armies of the diadochi relied on the sarissa in their battles.

The sarissa was famous for its great length, making it hard for enemies to get close to soldiers using it. It helped soldiers in ancient Macedonia win many important fights.

Images

An ancient painting from a Macedonian tomb in Naousa, Greece, showing a soldier from history.
An ancient fresco from a Macedonian tomb showing a soldier in historical armor holding a spear, illustrating religious beliefs about the afterlife from 4th-century BC Greece.

Related articles

Spear
Philip II of Macedon
Macedonian phalanx
Alexander the Great

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