What battle formation did the Spartans use?

Answer 1

The Spartans used the Phalanx/Hoplite formation. The Phalanx consists of multiple rows of men at least four men deep. The Hoplite (heavy Infantry) carried large round shields, and a spear (typically 8ft long). Swords were used only in emergencies. For example: The Spartans would line up against the Athenians and each army would then advance toward the other. Some scholars believe that they would rotate toward the left flank which was typically the weakest.

The army that broke formation first was outflanked and destroyed/routed. The Spartans excelled in this type of warfare because they were all professionals, strong and very much disciplined. Cavalry was not used because Greek horses were predominantly found in northern Greece. Also the terrain in the south made cavalry ineffective at that time.

The forms of infantry would vary, not all were Hoplite. The Battle formations and overall strategy that catered to the late Bronze age Hellenic warfare remained the same for all units that may have been present in battle. This form of warfare changed little until, King Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander introduced 18ft lances and Cavalry, bringing with them a new era of Greek warfare.