Pike
An extremely long spear for massed infantry formations
The pike is the longest infantry weapon in history at 400-600cm. The Swiss-developed pike square formation formed a massive hedgehog of hundreds of projecting pike points in all directions — the most effective defense against cavalry charges. Rear ranks thrust their pikes over the shoulders of those in front, presenting 4-5 rows of points simultaneously. Spain's tercio formation combined pikemen with arquebusiers, creating the most powerful infantry tactics of the 16th-17th centuries.
Origin
Descended from the Macedonian sarissa (5-6m pike) of ancient Greece, revived by 14th-century Swiss infantry. Swiss pike formations famously defeated knightly cavalry at Morgarten (1315) and Sempach (1386).
Features
- Longest infantry weapon in history (400-600cm)
- Pike square — all-around defensive formation
- 4-5 rows of points facing the enemy simultaneously
- Most effective anti-cavalry defense
- Spanish tercio — pike + arquebus combined tactics
- Weight approximately 3-5kg
Usage
Formed pike square formations to halt cavalry charges, or used in "push of pike" tactics to shove back enemy infantry. In the Spanish tercio, pikemen protected the arquebusiers.
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