Western Civilization I / Unit 5 WC1 0403 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Philip II Rebuilds the Army: Long Spears and Sworn Cavalry
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The idea
Philip II reunified Macedon in three fifty-nine by rewarding loyalty and killing rivals. His noble cavalry swore to him personally; a new phalanx with longer spears pinned the enemy for the cavalry charge; northern gold paid drilled infantry and mercenaries.
In practice
The largest Macedonian army ever fielded.
Where people slip
The innovation is the combination. Phalanx holds, cavalry decides.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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