The Spartan hoplites organized themselves into a tight-packed phalanx that then relentlessly pushed forward behind this wall of bronze. There were many reasons for launching a military campaign.

Ancient Greek and Roman armies were large and fearsome for their time, but their warfare tactics and leadership during battle ...

Hoplite infantrymen were the military ideal ... They fought primarily in a phalanx, a tightly packed shield and spear formation that might be several ranks deep and many soldiers wide.